An article in this past week's "Chicago Tribune" alleges that
continuing mental activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease
by up to 50%.  Among the mental activities mentioned is crossword
puzzles.

I believe it's time for the domestic piano industry (and foot-pumped
player piano industry such as QRS Music) to begin to actively promote
the benefits of _live_ music!  Certainly, learning how to play the
piano (or any musical instrument, for that matter) qualifies as a bona
fide mental activity, and one that brings more enjoyment than mastering
the "New York Times" Sunday Crossword.

Reading the words on an 88-note Word Roll while pumping a leaky player
piano would not only forestall Alzheimer's Disease, but provide
suitable exertion, too.  Recent medical studies have revealed that
moderate exercise can promote the development of new Central Nervous
System neurons.  Only 35 years ago, medical science held that the brain
was incapable of generating new neurons.  Now, we know better!

When I was actively promoting the Pianocorder System in the early
1980s, many spectators would relate how they had once taken piano
lessons but never followed through on them.  They all expressed regret
at having given up on learning how to play music.  None of them ever
entertained the idea of beginning again as adults.  What a shame.

Of course, if any keyboard manufacturer were ever courageous enough
to advertise the joy that accompanies learning to make music oneself,
well, that would be a breakthrough, too!

I'll readily admit that learning to read sheet music is a daunting
task.  Maybe someone has invented an Adult Suzuki Method that might
encourage others to learn to play by ear.  Believe it or not, more
than a few well-known musicians could not read music, so that is not
an absolute roadblock to musical enjoyment.  In any event, there is an
increasing body of medical evidence that some major healthy benefits
await all who take a new look at playing music, including the use of
player pianos.

Regards,
Bob Baker