Help Wanted – Pianists!!!
Consider this an official Grammie Rant.
It’s being said in Thomaston that every pianist within a 7 county radius who is capable of playing the piano for church is already working.
This time of the year is hard on churches. Even pianists need a vacation, and around here the beach or the mountains call our names! But in the process, we leave the music department hanging.
Sometimes in larger churches the praise team can pull off the service without a pianist and use only the guitars. In smaller and more traditional churches, being without a pianist causes the pastors great grief. And Lord knows, pastors have enough on their plate without scrounging around for pianists.
So here is my rant. It is not a new one. Through the years, I have stressed the importance of raising musicians – or even becoming one in your maturity. It is NEVER too late to add music to your life or your skill repertoire! I am a TOTALLY biased person when it comes to music. Just sayin’!
I was going to go on a full out rant but decided to be calmer and encourage everyone to allow the joy of music to fill each heart and home.
Even from the time a child is in the womb, listening to music is legit. Be careful what type of music you allow in your home. Encourage listening to the classics which has been proven worthwhile for increasing intelligence. Teach classic folk songs to the young. There are even folk songs of worth for older children and adults. Introduce a variety of ethnic music to your family. So much fun to listen and dance to!
Learn some crazy songs for car trips…Fried Ham is a winner! There are even historic ‘working’ songs to be sung when the family is involved in cleaning up the house at the end of the day. When I have to do serious work around the house, I put on some Petra Praise – way too loud but it gets me movin’! However, be careful of the decibel level with kids – especially babies!
Sing songs at bedtime. Knowing some of the old hymns and peaceful praise songs sets the stage for children to have peaceful nights.
Now we come to the official rant part. Every parent gets to choose, but please consider adding music to your child’s education. Studies have been done that show piano playing helps the brain connect both sides of the brain. There is solid evidence to prove music, especially piano, helps with math and reading skills. Playing the piano is a lifelong skill that can bring emotional health to the player and the listeners. We have known old people who couldn’t remember their names but could still play beautifully and sing old hymns of praise.
Yes, it is a pain in the backside to get kids to be consistent practicers. Yes, it is an investment. But yes, the end result is worth every nag and every penny. In the end game, we may be able to see more pianists raised up to be able to fill the needs of the local body of believers.
See? I can go on a nice rant!
Over 1150 verses in the Bible talk about music of some kind. Interesting, right? Remember the Bible story about Israel sending the praising musicians into the battle first and the enemy being defeated? How about Paul and Silas singing their way out of chains? Over and over the Bible speaks of various instruments and times of singing.
I love this verse Psalm 40:30 in NLT. ‘He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.’ Always, this is my prayer.
Blessings
Kara Beth
