One reason to start learning an instrument is that music is a means of glorifying God. In the book of Psalms, David and other authors wrote praises to God. Yes, the Psalms are poetry, but they were actually the hymnal of Israel. Instruments were used as well, as Psalm 150: 3-5 shows us.
3 Praise Him with the sound of the
trumpet; Praise Him with
the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and
dance; Praise Him with
stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud
cymbals; Praise Him with
clashing cymbals!
Music can glorify God in more then one way, however. Playing your instrument in church is one ministry that can glorify God. There are other venues where you can use your God-given talent as well. Some examples are nursing homes, summer camps, and in music concerts.
Another reason to learn an instrument is that it provides opportunities that otherwise would not be available. An example of this would be an experience I had this year. I play the piano, and I was presented with an opportunity to be the accompanist for a musical. I took the job, and I gained experience in working with other musicians as well as piano performance in front of an audience. I also made a good amount of money. But theater work is not the only opportunity musical ability provides.
Teaching a musical instrument is another example. It is a good way to earn revenue(often twenty or more dollars an hour) and a chance to practice patience and kindness with your students.
Another reason to play an instrument is that it can help you in other areas of life. There are studies that show that children who take musical lessons score higher on tests then those who do not.
Music education can be a positive force on all aspects of a child's life,
particularly on their academic success. The study of music by children has been
linked to higher scores on the SAT and other learning aptitude tests, and has
proven to be an invaluable tool in classrooms across the country.[1]
Learning an instrument can also help you to be disciplined. I am definitely not as disciplined as is possible, but I have been steady in my piano practicing. And I have reaped benefits from this. So a lesson can be learned from taking music lessons: steady work pays off.
Perhaps I have convinced you to learn to play an instrument. Just think, you could be glorifying God, obtaining opportunities that you otherwise couldn’t have, and helping yourself in other ways. And just because you play the piano, or the guitar, or the drums, or one of the many other instruments that are out there. So go out and do it! You could be in that marching band.
[1] Jeff Bingaman, …and Music for All, NAMM and MENC
http://www.supportmusic.com/public/browse.php?int (accessed November 2006)
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