Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - November 17, 1985
B y Susan J. Dehler
Vigo County Historical Society

Clavier taught piano technique
Miss Alden taught women to perform

In 1890, the catalogue for Coates College for Women in Terre Haute included a statement from the School of Music: " The object of this department is to give thorough instruction in Piano-Forte... and to make intelligent musicians no less than performers."

For 19th century piano instructors this meant an emphasis on developing technique. Several devices were invented for such a task.

One such device used at Coates College was the Techinon. This was a mass of rollers, counterweights, levers and springs. It was an elaborate way to exercise and develop the muscles of the hands and fingers.

Another aid for piano students was the "Practise Clavier," created by A. K. Virgil. (Yes, it was spelled with an "s.") Advertised as the "silent piano," it was quite popular in the music profession from about 1888 to 1913. Ii was not a piano, but a small box fronted with a complete keyboard.

Each key would make a clicking sound when struck firmly and correctly. The absence of a click would mean an improper stroke of sloppy playing.

The resistant weight of each key on the Clavier could be adjusted by turning the spokes of a small knob. The range of resistance could go from 2 to 20 ounces per key. Therefore, the Clavier also was used for developing finger strength.

The Clavier on display in the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley was used by L. Eva Alden to teach such techniques to her piano students. "Miss" Alden was an instructor at Coates College for two years when she was appointed director of the School of Music in 1891. This piano-forte courses of the Terre Haute women's college were modeled after those of the New England Conservatory in Boston where she graduated.

Eva Alden nurtured the performance aspect of music. She required periodic recitals of herself and her students and established a concert course that brought many acclaimed artists to perform in Terre Haute.

In 1894, Eva Alden had left Coates College to teach privately. In 1898 she had a musical studio at the premises of Q. H. Paige & Co., a local dealer in musical merchandise. It was probably during this period that she used this particular Clavier for instruction.

The "instrument" was later stored in the Paige's attic until 1923 when it was purchased by Indiana State Normal School. From 1923 to1933, it was used by students in piano classes at Indiana State only when pianos were not available..