February 6, 2008 > Around and About with Pat Kite Around and About with Pat Kite Beethoven Studies Center in San Jose By Pat Kite Love Music? Enjoy Beethoven? Interested in classical music and/or classical instruments? Then do try to visit the Beethoven Studies Center at San Jose State University (SJSU). What's there to see? For fun and knowledge, including children, there is an instrument collection including harpsichord, clavichord, and three forte pianos. These are all examples of instrument types that Beethoven played as a child and adult. The entire family will enjoy listening to the sound variance between modern piano and past sonatas. There's also a genuine lock of Beethoven's hair, discovered in a tiny collection box in Danville, wow! This is available for viewing in July and December only. And, of course, there is the largest collection of Beethoven research materials in the United States, including first edition and art. The Beethoven Center also sponsors concerts, lectures, tours and the Young Pianist's Beethoven Competition. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/depts/beethoven or call (408) 808-2058. Beethoven Studies Center Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fridays: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. SJSU, Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies in the Martin Luther King Library South 4th St., and San Fernando, San Jose Admission: Free (Free guided tours also available) (408) 808-2058.