The familiar idiom ‘music to my ears’ suggests welcome news, something one is glad to hear, but in my case a theme played on repeat in my head. For the last few weeks, the topic of music circulated around me. First my mind recalled in-home concerts I experienced. Then I read about the benefits of singing in sync with others (Pink, Daniel. When. 2018). More music related hints came from a recent sermon text on singing (Ephesians 5 v 19), a link to register for the “Sing” conference, and a daily verse describing God singing over us. Finally, last week, CeCe Winan’s “(I will sing of) The Goodness of God” music video hit one of my text threads followed by it being one of the worship songs in Sunday’s service. So, on music at home and singing I will write! This composition will not win a Pulitzer, but it will stop the ringing in my ears.
Have you attended a concert in a home? Though rare these days, music in the home was common before TV, radios, stereos, and phonographs. Entertainment was homemade: music and games in the parlor. Whoever could play or sing, did so with family and for guests. There were mansion ballroom dances accompanied by chamber groups and barn dances with fiddles. Simpler days spawned simpler ways.
I experienced an extraordinary concert at my sister’s home. She, an accomplished pianist, and a musician friend on the vibraphone, gave a concert at a graduation party. They far surpassed the level of skill for most in-home recitals, but it retained the warmth of a home setting with an intimate audience. Pictured is her keyboard with music for the opening number.
Today music is piped in and turned on everywhere, like the surprisingly loud easy rock playing in pre-op before my last colonoscopy. We access any artist, any song with a flick on our phone. Our access to music is quite amazing, yet live music, even if amateur, feeds us in a different and unique way. Many years back, I recall a friend’s child played her piano recital piece for our visit. Another time a neighbor invited several of us to her home so she could play a dress rehearsal for an upcoming musical she was accompanying. On a New Year’s Day, a group of us sang “Auld Lang Syne” together as the host strummed it on his guitar. Maybe you recall a hearthside serenade, a parlor performance, or an impromptu campfire concert or sing-along – I hope so! We could all try singing a hymn at mealtime or hum the children a bedtime lullaby. I don’t discount streaming playlists at home which adds cheer or comfort too, especially when our voice joins the chorus.
Music is a gift from our Creator. We get joy from making music, music can praise Him, and God sings over us. Zephaniah 3 v 17 expresses, “The LORD thy God … will joy over thee with singing” (shared in the King James Version as it was shared with me.)
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