Music Matters

July 1, 2006

ENCOURAGING YOUNG MUSICIANS

The opportunity to participate in a church or a community activity is a key component for encouraging and developing young musicians. I was one of those fortunate youthful pianists that was invited to play for church and community gatherings at an early age. I know that I must have hit some clinkers, but my memory of comments from those around me, were only confidence building affirmations. This positive encouragement prompted me to accept lifelong opportunities as a musician, pianist, organist and frequent congregational music coordinator.

With the dire need in many organizations and congregations for youth to carry on in music responsibilities, I sense the need for teachers, parents or other adults to explore some of the following options:

Let us invite youth to:

• Play or sing during a church potluck dinner, or as part of a talent show
• Play or sing one short appropriate piece as a part of the prelude.
• Play or sing a prayer response
• Play or sing with an accomplished musician in a simple duet, or recurring part of a piece.
• Play or sing for a non-critical appreciative audience, such as at a community center, nursing home or senior citizen gathering place.
• Play or sing for community music clubs, or as part of the background music in dinner theater interludes.
• Play for benefit concerts, audition for performance with a youth symphony, or participate in a joint recital with an adult musician.

The most dramatic intervention in a young musician’s career happened recently in my congregation when an older couple inquired of me, “Do you happen to know of a young person who could benefit from taking private music lessons?” I replied affirmatively that I did know of such a youth.

For the next two years the couple arranged for this young musician to continue taking private lessons. She is now majoring in music in college! The generosity and foresight of this couple planted a wonderful seed that will continue to enrich the life of a youth for years to come. This gift will also be multiplied many times over in the lives of all the listeners – past, present, and future.

--Julie Conway

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:
Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist and Director of Music
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

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