I had to get the music book and a stand for Son. I headed to Alan’s Music.
This is one of those stores you hope will never move or be torn down, because it’s nearly exactly the same as when you were little. The lettering hasn’t changed. The hard to navigate parking lot hasn’t changed. Even the people working there haven’t changed.
I’ve been coming here since I was around 6 or 8. My brother took piano here, and I began when I was 10.
The downstairs is a warren of rooms, doors closed, music of varying qualities coming out.
They put the horn players upstairs away from everyone.
I spent every Wednesday evening here from when I was 10 to 16, taking piano lessons.
Anyway, I half expected there to be a time vortex when I walked into the store. I saw Alan, who was gray-haired when I was little. His son does most of the business. “I remember your face,” he said to me when I told him I used to take lessons. He asked my maiden name and said he remembered my parents.
I guess a lot of people like me come in. Now buying music for their own children.
There aren’t too many stores like this left. I’m just happy Wal-Mart doesn’t sell musical instruments or lessons.
MARGARET DILLOWAY 
Thanks for the recommendation. Sophie wants to take piano and I’ve been wondering where to start.
How wonderful it’s still in business! Amen to the Walmart statement!
dear Margaret
thank you for a wonderful book i cant wait til you write another one. i am not very good at writing for spelling. but this was very good, i am a 53 year old women, missed out on a lot in life. should of took reading more serious in my early years. i walked to barnes and noble to purchase a book a seen yours, read the back of the cover and bought it. i am glad i did. just wanted to tell how much i enjoyed it.
thank you
diane
Thank you, Diane! I’m honored that you chose my book, and happy you enjoyed it so much. My next one comes out in the spring. I think you’ll like that one, too!