scales ( specific violin exercises ) were a must , as were all the typical etudes for violin . Al was a great teacher and a great artist who provided me the mentorship you would only get from a family member . I ’ m grateful he was in my life .” Regrettably , there was a period when I lost touch with Al , and when I called to restart “ name that tune ” his phone was out of service . Al died in 2006 at age 100 . An old clipping from the Asbury Park Press reported that Al seemed youthful at 87 , and quoted him saying music kept him young . Conversely , I think it ’ s the desperate pursuit of fame and riches that can hasten an artist ’ s death . Al seemed to know that . He created balance in his life . You ’ ll find 78rpm restorations of Al ’ s recordings on YouTube . Discography and sheet music of his violin solos are online . Here is a 78rpm restoration of one such song , recorded in the late ‘ 20s or early ‘ 30s . •