Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Gift of Music

There are few things in life that soothe the soul, inspire the mind, enliven and enlighten the spirit like music. For me, a rousing improvisational piano piece gets me every time. An acoustic guitar, the perfect blending of a choir singing in one voice, or the variations of a symphony, speaks a language of its own. But chances are, most any instrument when skillfully wielded, does it for me as well. A cappella and whistling included.

I don't consider myself to be very musically talented. Sure, if no one else in the room knows piano, I can play a song or two, as I did in last Priesthood meeting in church on Sunday. I'm also singing in a couple Christmas choirs this year! I know just about enough music to be able to appreciate good music* when I hear it. I enjoy practicing by myself in the shower or car or in a small group just as much as performing.  

There is much to be said for the electric atmosphere of crowds appreciating the same music.


Music has a stirring effect that words can’t quite describe. Music transcends culture, gender, race, biases, and connects people with each other. Music excites crowds at athletic events, gives added energy to a performer, and praises God.

While on a volunteer mission for my church in China, I was not understanding much Chinese at all and was extremely disconcerted until one moment when the Chinese congregation began signing a hymn in Chinese to a familiar tune. My body instantly responded and all of my worries melted away and I was filled with love and happiness.  It's true. I have a testimony of the power of music. The Lord even said that "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing."** I also enjoy the inspired Psalms of the Old Testament! King David's harp reportedly had the power to cast out evil spirits.*** Music has a relaxing peaceful quality that promotes mental, emotional health, spiritual, and physical health.

                       I also enjoyed watching synchronized Tai Chi sword movements to music.


Street musicians make my heart happy. Subway entrepreneurs, park enthusiasts, and trash can drummers included. And these people too:


There’s something about expressive music that sets people and their hopes and desires free. The desire of my heart is to one day have a family of my own to make music with. If my future wife is agreeable, we shall conscript our children to play various instruments and we’ll call it the Gould Family Singers and we’ll make a movie about fleeing from the Nazis. It’ll be epic. Some musicians describe moments of epiphany when creating songs while other musical endeavors span years. I thank my Heavenly Father for music and all of the talented people that play good music. 

These are a few of my favorite things:
* Definitions of “good music” vary widely. I use the term to denote music that encourages, inspires, uplifts, helps me focus, directs my thoughts and actions to do good, or makes me want to dance, tap my foot, or just drum on whatever’s in front of me. Good music expressly excludes music that promotes unclean or inappropriate thoughts, words, or actions or dulls spiritual sensitivity.
** D&C 25:12.
***1 Samuel 16:23.
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