LESSON 13.
FRIENDS!
Much has been said about friends—many beautiful things, many apt phrases rich with understanding. To me, a friend is one who understands me—and loves me in spite of that fact.
One of my dearest friends is my piano, and I feel that every musician must consider his instrument in this light just as I do.
When I am tired and discouraged, or when I am joyful and full of hopeful expectation, it makes no difference what the mood, my piano responds to my every touch. It sings with me when I would sing. In minor chord it grieves to see me sad. It can be light and airy when I will; or if thought runs madly on and on, lightly touching the heights of exaltation or delving into mirey depths beneath—still I am not alone. And being not alone, I stand.
I want you to learn to think of your instrument as a Friend, for I know the endless joy that such a close communion is bound to give.
Would you have a friend? Then be one.
It applies with equal force as regards your instrument. You must understand it just as thoroughly as you long to have it understand you. That is where AUTOMATIC FINGER CONTROL should be a constant help to you. It enables you to understand your instrument so much better.
The exercises take on a simpler mien, now. That is only possible, however, because of the good work you have already done. Keep it up!
Starting Review. Practice Exercises 1, 22, 23, and 24.