Other subjects discussed included: war taxes the lack of sales promotion across the industry and the shortage of skilled labour. The Music Trade Review, May 1917) and raised at The National Association of Music Roll Manufacturers’ Convention concerned the definition of the word “roll” (as in piano roll), who could use it, and what exactly it was! One issue apparently considered important (ref. Here key players discussed relevant issues and formulated ideas for the betterment of the industry.

The above diary details meetings of the various trade bodies taking place during the week.

Several large scale piano manufacturing plants were located in Chicago, and these would typically each produce 1,000-2,000 pianos a month. The majority of the events took place at Chicago’s Congress Hall, however manufacturers would also exhibit there wares in various locations around the city.Īt that time, Chicago was the centre of the US musical instrument industry, and although this event was for all musical instruments, it was the piano that dominated. May 24: Music Industries Chamber of Commerce Meeting.May 23: The National Piano Travellers’ Convention.

May 23: The National Association of Music Roll Manufacturers’ Convention.May 23-24: The National Association of Piano Merchants’ Convention.May 21-22: The Piano Trade Golf Association Tournament.May 18-19: The National Piano Manufacturers’ Convention.The program illustrates the nature of the event:

Chicago’s Congress Hotel as it is now, and in 1917 (inset)

M schulz piano value