As I see the current round of postings about mechanical music and
its introduction to a younger generation, I can only reiterate what
I know works: have a properly maintained mechanical instrument
(preferably a player piano) in a museum setting, and give all who
come through a chance to try it.

Our local historical museum is currently scheduled for fourteen
elementary school class tours (and probably more to come), totaling
over five hundred students through the end of this school year.
With my wife as the docent, _every one_ of those children will have
a chance to try that wonderful piano, as well as the parents who
accompany them.  The teachers report that that player piano has the
most lasting impression on them out of everything they see there.

Dan Harrett, Director, Grand Blanc Heritage Association
dharrett@tir.com