Fall 1966

MUSIC TEACHERS NEWSLETTERPublished as a service to the music teaching profession

by Kimball Piano and Organ Co., 15th & Cherry Streets, Jasper, Indiana,

makers of world famous Kimball pianos and organs

STUDENTS WHO TAKE PIANO LESSONS LEARN MUSICAL CONCEPTS FASTER than those who begin study on other instruments, report researchers at Northern Arizona University. Last year the 30 students of the fourth grade in the university's laboratory school were divided into a control group, given brass, woodwind, and percussion lessons in class, and an experimental group given class piano lessons. . . both groups were taught music concepts. Tests at the end of the school year indicated that the musical concepts and skills of the experimental (piano lesson) group exceeded those of the control group.

A UNIQUE JAZZ HISTORY COURSE IS OFFERED AT TULANE UNIVERSITY this semester. . .course features live music to illustrate phases of jazz, and distinguished lecturers and jazz musicians doing most of the teaching. The course is a coopera­tive venture sponsored by Tulane and Loyola universities, the New Orleans Jazz * Club and the Musical Therapy Fund.

THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS TAKEN A STRONG STAND FOR MUSIC and other arts in the school curriculum. . . in a resolution the State Board made recommendations to counter the legislative mandating of curriculum, which a year ago practically crowded music out of the state's schools. The Board has gone on record as supporting development of a difinitive program in the arts and humanities education. The resolution (1) "calls upon local districts to assist in reversing the current trend to deemphasize arts and humanities in education". . . (2) "directs the state Department of Education to develop a program of action to provide leadership in arts and humanities program development. "

MORE THAN 15 MILLION SCHOOL AGE YOUNGSTERS ARE STUDYING MUSIC THIS FALL, according to American Music Conference estimates. . . this is an increase of better than a million over last year's figure at school opening time. Other encouraging statistics reveal that today more than 91% of the nation's senior high schools provide large band and orchestral instruments for students' use. . . 89% provide special rooms for music. . .most elementary schools now devote one to two hours per week to musical instruction. According to AMC, introductory music instruction, designed to show youngsters the enjoyment of self-made music before they start formal lessons, is a decisive factor in youngsters' growing desire to play musical instruments.

THE OVERHEAD PROJECTOR IS GAINING POPULARITY AS A GROUP TEACHING AID reports a leading music educators' journal. . . music teachers say this projection technique is superior to conventional classroom methods of music instruction such as wall cards that are not always visible to the entire class.With the overhead projector the musical staff is shown on a large screen, along

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The piano that sets the standard of the world..

Bosendorfer concert grand on the stage of Royal Festival Hall, London.

Oirfw"To do justice to this beautiful instrument would exhaust

every superlative in the dictionary— artur Rubinstein

IkJor nearly a century and a half, the Bosendorfer JL piano has been the exemplification of the finest in keyboard craftsmanship throughout the world. Its impres-

-sive big voice, heritage and traditions make it an over­whelming choice of leading concert pianists the world over.

Few get the opportunity to play a Bosendorfer and fewer still ever own one. Among those who have is Franz Liszt who said in 1870, “the perfection of a Bosendorfer surpasses my most ideal expectation.” Liszt’s first asso­ciation with Bosendorfer came about because the type of pianos he used for his first concert appearances in Vienna were not suited to his modern style of playing, and simply fell to pieces before the end of the recital. Liszt was persuaded to try the then relatively unknown Bosendorfer. The result was sensational. Not only was the instrument in perfect structural condition at the end of the recital, but the tone remained true and constant. The resulting friendship between Liszt and Bosendorfer was significant in the further development of the in­strument.

The accolades of contemporary keyboard greats are equally enthusiastic. Wilhelm Backhaus says, “For me the Bosendorfer is much more than merely a magnificent instrument. I see it as the ideal manifestation of all that Viennese culture represents.” Menuhin declared in 1953, “I am convinced that no other piano can equal the nobility and the sheer beauty of sound of my Bosendorfer —it is without any doubt the king of all pianos.” Harold Bauer says, “To play a Bosendorfer is a joy. It is an aristocrat among pianos.” The list of famous artists’ endorsements is long and impressive.

When The Jasper Corporation, of which Kimball Piano & Organ Co. is a division, acquired the Bosendorfer firm and European manufacturing facilities last summer, pres­ident Thomas L. Habig made it clear that the company will carry on the craftsmanship traditions of Bosendorfer by training new people in the methodology of the 138 year old Vienna firm. “Kimball and Bosendorfer,” says Habig, “will continue to function as separate entities. We will not change the Bosendorfer. Certainly we expect to improve the Kimball by what we learn from Bosendorfer.”

Production of the Bosendorfer has always been limited. However, these world honored pianos will now be marketed through the Kimball sales organization in the United States as well as in Europe and other foreign countries.

Bosendorfer grand owned by Empress Elisabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

Coveted Bosendorfer Ring presented to Wilhelm Backhaus (right above) on occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Bosendorfer Co. This ring is donated to “the greatest living pianist.” The possessor of the ring nominates his successor, or if he fails to do so the nomination is made by Bosendorfer or the Austrian Ministry of Education.

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with the teacher's notation as they are made. An added advantage claimed for the projected picture is that it focuses student attention better than ordinary charts or blackboard.

SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE GIVEN TO WINNERS IN NATIONAL ORGAN PLAYING AUDITIONS, announces the National Association of Organ Teachers. . . the $100 awards will be made to members of the National Society of Student Organists who meet NAOT requirements. . .for full details and application blanks for NSSO scholar­ships write NAOT headquarters, 7938 Bertram Ave. , Hammond, Ind. 46324.

A MAJOR "CENTER FOR NEW MUSIC" HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA under a $100, 000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. . . the first phase of the program is beginning this fall. "The grant, " says the director of the Center, "will enable the school to expand greatly its current program to provide opportunities for audiences to hear contemporary music and to bring promising young composersto the campus to develop their talent. "

A NEW BOOK SHOWS "HOW TO PLAY LIKE A PLAYER PIANO". . . contains arrangements of standard hits designed to capture the old time player roll sound. Written by one of the leading recording pianists, the folio is published by Mills Music. . . retails for $2.

1967 MUSICAL CALENDAR FEATURES 23 GREAT WORKS OF ART WITH MUSICAL SUBJECTS. . . pictures, in full color, include paintings by both old masters and modern artists. The calendar makes a unique gift and handsome wall decoration for music lovers. Published by Barenreiter-Verlag, Heinrich Schutz Allee 29-37, Kassel-Wilhelmshohe, Germany; cost $2. 20.

VISION INTEGRATED WOODWORKING FROM THE TREE TO THE HOME

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