Church Music: Contemporary or Traditional?

In order to accomodate people's varying music tastes, churches provide different services offering diverse styles of music. The two most common are the "contemporary" and the "traditional."

When a service hosts "traditional" music, old hymns are likely to be played accompanied by a piano, but many times, a pipe organ and a full on choir and orchestra. "Contemporary" worship is generally led by a few worship leaders, guitar (acoustic & bass) players, keyboarder, drummer. Old hymns are only present if the melody is changed or set more to an upbeat rhythm. Many of my favorite songs are so-called "contemporary" music.

However, much controversy has arisen in churches over what is the more "Biblical" type of worship style or whether one type is right, wrong, inappropriate for God's house of worship, etc. This issue came to my attention not only after having experienced some friction at a previous church between the two services with different music types, but also in a theology class I'm currently taking.

Complaints should arise, of course, if for example the words of a song are found to be unbiblical in the doctrine they express. But, God simply desires our worship in whatever musical taste He's given us. Psalm 150: 3-5 says:

"Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals."

God has given us different likes, talents, and gifts. We should use all of these things he has given us, including music, to worship Him. It's sad to see churches divide over the issue of different worship music.

1 Peter 4:10 states "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

Both of these verses are affirmations of God's desire of our worship as styles of music change.

Personally, I love it when services integrate contemporary AND traditional music. The rich melodies and reflection of Bible verses of the old hymns combine so nicely with the inspiring words and upbeat rhythm of new songs.

Let's turn to Psalm 98:4 for classic inspiration:

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music"

Inspiring Worship Songs

Part of music theory, I believe, is listening to songs and hearing harmonies and various music genres. Here are some pretty inspiring music videos based on some of my favorite worship songs~

Amazing Grace w/ My Chains are Gone-
Click HERE to listen to this song sung by Chris Tomlin
Chorus:

"My chains are gone, I've been set free,

My God, my Savior, has ransomed me!

And like a flood, his mercy rains, unending love, amazing grace!"

Amazing Love- AKA "You Are My King"-
This link is to a song beautifully sung by the Newsboys.

The chorus is:

"Amazing Love, how can it be? That you my King should die for me,

Amazing love, I know its true, and it's my joy to honor You, in all I do- let me honor You."

Blessed Be Your Name-

Click HERE

Chorus:

"Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name,

Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name..."

Here I Am to Worship-

Click HERE , sung by Michael W. Smith

Chorus:

"Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,

here I am to say that you're my God

You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me!"

How Great is Our God-

Click HERE, sung by Chris Tomlin

Chorus:

"How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God,

All will see how great, how great, is our God!"

Indescribable-

Click HERE, sung by Chris Tomlin

Chorus:

"Indescribable, uncontainable, you placed the stars in the sky, and you know them by name

You are amazing, God!

All powerful, untamable: awestruck, we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim,

You are amazing, God!"

You are Holy (Prince of Peace)-

Click HERE , sung by Michael W. Smith

Does Age Matter?

Two of the most pressing questions regarding teaching children music is: "how young is too young for a child to begin learning music?' and "how young is too young to start music lessons?"

While these questions have similar qualities, they are vastly different. A child can begin to be around and be familiar with music at a different age than actually starting music lessons.

So, for becoming familiar with music: this stage can be started as early as desired. Studies have shown that listening to classical music at an early age does wonders for the child's development process. From playing classical c.d.s around the house to introducing a young toddler to basic rhythms, claps, and basic instruments (Triangle, play set of drums, makeshift set of drums), providing a musically supplemented environment for young children is a GREAT idea. Classical music as opposed to hard rock music, has been scientifically proven to stimulate the processes of humans' brains. Therefore, if classical is played at an early age, not only will it introduce your child to the wonders of music, but it also may have a positive effect on their physical development.

As for starting music lessons: Many different music instructors possess different theories about what an appropriate age is for children to start music lessons. A music instructor that I know, believes that a good age to start is around 2nd or 3rd grade, or when the child can read fairly competently. Other music instructors I know have students who are as young as 3 or 4 years old.

I believe that it highly depends on the musical instrument, and the individual teacher's teaching style. For example: Choir or anything in a group setting is fine for younger children.

A child should definitely know their A-B-Cs & 1-2-3s before beginning music lessons and should be able to carry on a simple conversation and understand uncomplicated questions.

The problem is these requirements as listed above, varies for each child. That is why it is hard to estimate a specific age at which is appropriate to start music lessons. Once a child has met these standards, I believe that they are ready to start lessons. However, the parents need to be involved in their practice time and lessons, especially for youngsters in the age range of 3-7, and even up until the age of 10.

A decision to begin music lessons for children is highly dependent on the parents' priorities and desires. However, they must keep in mind that the child cannot go at it alone. Parental involvement is essential not only at lessons but also at home during practice time.

So does age matter? For music lessons, yes. For becoming familiar with music and melodies, no.

The Emmons Sisters

Bursting into harmonies with toe-tappin' beats, these "Princesses of Bluegrass" play and perform music with inspirational messages and beautiful melodies twisted in one. With a banjo, upright bass, guitar, violin, vocals, and occasional piano, listeners get the full effect of straight-from-the-heart hoedown style music.

Visit their website: http://www.emmonssisters.com/ to listen to their music, read their biography, view photos, and read updates on their concerts!

Their new CD: "Turning Point" features uplifiting instrumentals and choruses that will keep you humming lively tunes for the rest of the day!

Let Your Kingdom Come!

This song from Sovereign Grace ministries, Let your Kingdom Come, accurately describes what the Christian purpose and mission is, interwined beautifully in the music. The Lyrics are written below:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=M4175-06-51

Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts

May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are

We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown

The cross has saved us so we pray

Your kingdom come

Chorus: Let Your kingdom come

Let Your will be done

So that everyone might know Your Name

Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth

Till Your sovereign work on earth is done

Let Your kingdom come

Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak

Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak

Lord use us as You want, whatever the test

By grace we’ll preach Your gospel

Till our dying breath

Chorus: Let your Kingdom come

Let your will be done

So that everyone might know Your Name

Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth

Till Your sovereign work on earth is done

Let Your Kingdom Come!

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Practice tips

Practice makes Perfect.....Practice makes Perfect.....Practice makes Perfect

A teacher's favorite phrase. The phrase that makes students everywhere groan. The phrase that is associated with long, dreadful hours of playing monotonous-sounding scales and exercises.

Think Again!!!

While practicing any musical instrument can take hours of your time, it doesn't have to, if you know the key to getting work done quickly. Here's how:

1. Always warm-up

Now, this seems at first like a contradiction to what I just said, doesn't it? After all, warming up is the 5 extra minutes at the beginning of practice time that seems to do little other than adding a seemingly unnecessary thing onto your timetable. However, warming-up your fingers/voice in the beginning saves you from mistakes later on in your practice. You 'work-out' your fingers or your voice by doing simple, basic exercises to get them ready for the harder stuff. Here are some things you could do no matter what your instrument of choice is:

• Scales- anything from Do, Re, Mi, to La, la, la
• Chords- (piano)
• Alternating notes- (voice) la, fa, mi, do, re, fa, so, la, ti, do, re, do!! *sings Sound of Music*
• A simple song such as 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' or any Gavotte, Minuet that exercises simple chords, melodies, and harmonies

At the gym, you warm-up by stretching. It only takes 5-10 minutes, but is absolutely critical so that you don't injure yourself, but instead slowly get your body used to the motions. This is the same way with music-- it is critical to get your voice/fingers used to what you're going to be spending a chunk of time doing.

2. Attack repertoire next

Now that you're all warmed up, it's best to go to the songs that add on to what you just practiced. Depending on how much stuff your teacher assigned you and how long you have to practice, I'd say spend 1/2-2/3 of your time on this. These are the songs that you're really going to learn new techniques from. This will complement whatever other tasks you must do, whether recitals, accompanist positions, etc.

Here's some great repertoire books:

• Celebration series
• Suzuki method series
• Bastien books

3. Save performance songs for last

So why should you save this stuff for last? Well- b/c you're well warmed up by now. You've covered, and mastered techniques, spent time refining them, and learned theory. Put it all to work in these fancy, show-y, dramatic, emotion-tugging songs or tunes!