100 THE NATURE OF MUSIC 



This is the harmonic foundation, it is all in you. 

 Observe and verify it in yourself and others. Hear it, 

 feel it; name it, think it; sing it, play it; read it, write 

 it, and, as a child of six once prompted me, **then 

 know it." 



3. Now return to the simple melody with which 

 you started. Define its rhythm, name each of its 

 tones by a syllable, point out each cadence-tone and 

 repose-tone and give each its harmonic number indi- 

 cating its harmonic relation. 



For many years I have given this first lesson to 

 students of all ages. If desirable the above material 

 may be divided so as to occupy two or three lessons. 

 To learn the lesson and learn it thoroughly is impor- 

 tant ; how long it takes to accomplish this is unim- 

 portant. Study music and be a musician. Music 

 is the what ; technique is the how. The latter equals 

 zero if not based on the former. The musician has 

 something to say; he has the right to speak and be 

 heard; his technique is a means to an end; his art is 

 music. On the other hand, the mere technician has 

 nothing to say; he has no such right; his astounding 

 technique amounts to an astounding facility in saying 

 nothing; what should be a means becomes an end in 

 itself; his art is mechanism; his expression is jejune 

 jingle. It is never too late to learn a first music- 

 lesson. 



