The Piano Lesson - Music Appreciation

The Piano Lesson - Music Appreciation

HIP-HOP. Jazz. Ragtime. Ballads. Contemporary. Classical. The blues. Baptist hymns.

With the exception of hip-hop, I’ve played them all. Not all classifications could I fully understand, and only a few can I play well. But I grew to appreciate and respect the socioeconomic conditions, the geographic locales, and the eras that served as the genesis to these diverse genres of music.

When it comes to music appreciation, one is required to have

an open mind—leave your prejudices behind; you’re to listen based not on what you once liked, but on what you might come to respect.

an open heart—listen for a melody that speaks to you; not all sounds that are dissonant are made up of wrong notes. But to listen with your heart, you have to be quiet.

an open soul—music is an international language that communicates regardless of history, culture, or class. Music can bridge great divides and create commonality where there was none before.

There is a profound parallel between the mind/heart/soul conditions required to appreciate music and to those needed to live like Christ. But, I fear if Christians were graded for our performance in music appreciation class, well—we’d flunk. We’re doing little to inspire appreciation and respect for our beliefs.

For this reason, I rarely offer up that I’m a Christian. During the first two years of writing via e-mail to my subscribers, I did so without expressing my beliefs. Not because I’m ashamed or feel the topic is taboo; I don’t openly share because of the damage we Christians have caused to our collective reputation.

Christians sometimes carry deep prejudices. Steve Stroope, pastor of Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, once said, “We should be known for what we’re for; not for what we’re against.” If our world, our coworkers, our neighbors, and our family are to appreciate Christianity, I think we’re going to have to shift the paradigm and leave the judging to God. It’s past time to let the world see that we’re known for love, not condemnation.

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)

I think it’s time we all act out our faith in a more thoughtful, tender manner.