“There is so much practise which can be done away from the instrument, by reading the notes from the printed page and thinking about them.  Is this understood in America?  Always listen to your playing, to every note you make on the piano; I consider this point of the very first importance.  My pupils are generally well advanced or are those who intend making music a profession.  I have, however, occasionally taken a beginner.  This point of listening to every note, of training the ear, should stand at the very foundation.

LETTING THE HAND FIND ITSELF

“In regard to hand position, I endeavor not to be narrow and pedantic.  If pupils play with good tone and can make reasonably good effects, I take them, at the point where they are and try to bring them forward, even if the hand position is not just what I would like.  If I stop everything and let them do nothing but hand position, they will be discouraged and think they are beginning all over again.  This beginning again is sometimes detrimental.  To take a pupil at his present point, and carry him along was also Liszt’s idea.  He did not like to change a hand position to which the player has grown accustomed for one which seems unnatural, and which the pianist has to work a long time to acquire.  He felt that one’s time could be spent to more advantage.  There are so many legitimate positions, each hand is a separate study, and is apt to take the position most natural to itself.

“I shall play numerous concerts and recitals in Europe the coming season, but shall not be in America.  I know your country well as I have made several tours and have lived there.  I left it the last time under sad circumstances, as my sister, who always accompanied me, had just passed away after quite a long illness.  So you see I have not much zest to return.

“However I am fond of America, and admire the great progress you are making in music and art.  And you have the courage of your convictions; you do not admire a musical work simply because some one else says you should, or the critics tell you to.  You do not ask your neighbor’s opinion before you applaud it.  If you do not like it you are not afraid to say so.  Even when it is only ragtime that pleases you, you are not afraid to own up to it.  When you learn what is better you say so.  It Is this honesty which leads to progressive results.  You are rapidly becoming competent to judge what is best.  I have found the most appreciative audiences in America.”

Miss Aus der Ohe had much to relate of the Woman’s Lyceum.  The Department of Music was founded by Aus der Ohe herself.  Not long ago there was an exhibition of woman’s work in music.  Women composers from all over the country sent examples of their work.  Our own Mrs. H.A.A.  Beach, who has been located for some time in Munich, was well represented.  There are branches of this institution in other German cities.