Fred Rogers composed all of the music for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He studied music composition at Rollins College and continued to write for the rest of his life. For Fred, the piano represented more than work; it was therapy and a means for him to play and explore. This piece must have been the result of Fred musing on how to sing his name.
The David he is referring to in the note is David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely. Handwritten pieces like this are some of the most interesting and important items in the Archive.
In this segment, Ma explains how he was introduced to music through his sister, a violinist. He was discouraged that he could not play as well as her, but he soon discovered the cello. Mister Rogers asks him if his mood influences the way he plays.
Wynton Marsalis is just as excited to meet Mister Rogers as Fred is to hear his music. Marsalis is a young musician who has already achieved fame. Mister Rogers asks Marsalis for advice for young children who want to learn to play the trumpet.
The Fred Rogers Institute Archivist is available for requests and inquiries from students and researchers.
