Accordion Teacher
Mr Hobmeier was born in Germany, and I remember him telling me that his family lived over a German tavern. As a child he could hear them playing the accordion down below, and it made him fall in love with that instrument (which he learned to play very well!)
When I knew him back in the mid 1960s he was working for Scientific Glass Company in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
He lived on Civic Place, a quiet residential Dead end Street (also in Bloomfield). He had his basement converted into a music studio where he would offer accordion lessons to us children for $2 each lesson. He was an expert musician, and a wonderful human being.
He was married and had at least one son, that I know of, whose name was also Robert. He used to chainsmoke Camel cigarettes.
Because of the chemical fumes given off by the sulfuric acid etching baths at Scientific Glass Company his legs developed severe ulceration. Apparently the ulcers got worse and eventually led to his death (so I was told).
To this day I own my musical ability to this wonderful man. He taught me how to read sheet music, and in playing the accordion he led me to learn waltzes, tangoes, marches, polkas, novelty songs, popular music, nostalgic music, mazurkas, and classical music! He had enormous patience, and as friendly and warm as he was -- he was a good disciplinarian in his teaching method.
I miss him very much..... And I pray for his soul.
When I knew him back in the mid 1960s he was working for Scientific Glass Company in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
He lived on Civic Place, a quiet residential Dead end Street (also in Bloomfield). He had his basement converted into a music studio where he would offer accordion lessons to us children for $2 each lesson. He was an expert musician, and a wonderful human being.
He was married and had at least one son, that I know of, whose name was also Robert. He used to chainsmoke Camel cigarettes.
Because of the chemical fumes given off by the sulfuric acid etching baths at Scientific Glass Company his legs developed severe ulceration. Apparently the ulcers got worse and eventually led to his death (so I was told).
To this day I own my musical ability to this wonderful man. He taught me how to read sheet music, and in playing the accordion he led me to learn waltzes, tangoes, marches, polkas, novelty songs, popular music, nostalgic music, mazurkas, and classical music! He had enormous patience, and as friendly and warm as he was -- he was a good disciplinarian in his teaching method.
I miss him very much..... And I pray for his soul.
