Torch, Summer 1981

6 family. Besides the aesthetic benefits, a spirit of teamwork can be developed as family members sacrifice energy, money, and time to encourage their own "artists in residence ." Above all, the music student has increased opportunities to learn responsibility, diligence, self– control, humility, and many other godly character qualities. The Honorable Richard Owens, a well-known U.S. District Court Judge in New York and also a seasoned musician and composer, stated in a recent publication that music study and performance would be a help for many young people. It would help them tum their talents into music rather than, in some cases, anti-social outlets which waste their talents . As music educators, my wife and I have had the joyful privilege of observing firsthand the effects that music lessons can have upon the development of healthy self-concepts in students of all ages. Even a minor musical accomplishment instills self-esteem which allows the student to contribute positively to the cause of Christ in many areas besides the field of music. A word of caution might be appropriate at this point. Because the development of musical, athletic, or dramatic talent requires consistent dedication and energy, an over emphasis in any one of these areas can tend to exclude other activities that are necessary for the development of a well-rounded personality . Therefore, we parents do well to remember that budding musicians need regular physical activity to counterbalance the mental and emotional aspects of music-making, and the athlete needs to develop a sensitivity of spirit to counterbalance the mental competitiveness and physical exertion of sports . Since much music that affects today's Christian family is not "homemade," the values stressed within the home require reinforcement outside the home . The musical ministries of the local church, for example, should reflect the same Biblical principles taught in the home with regard to the importance and function of music in worship. The use of dilapidated pianos and ill– prepared choir and "special" music can be disconcerting to young people who are being taught to "approve all things that are excellent (Philippians 1: 10) and to "make His praise glorious" (Psalm 66:2). "Homemade" musical values can also be reinforced by attending a variety of programs, recitals, and concerts. It is, of course, essential that parents who advocate a musical "doctrine of selection" within the home also show selectivity in choosing musical experiences outside the home that are of a "good report" (Philippians 4:8). In essence, every Christian home makes its own characteristic kind of "music." But this kind is not comprised of audible sounds; it is the total outward manifestation of the inner environment of the home. As the Holy Spirit guides us, may not only our musical philosophy but also every other aspect of our family life be combined to produce a harmonious symphony for the glory of God. ~·~ ~.qv- • ~ A Selective Classical Listening List for the Family 1 oday's Christian has a wide variety of music from which to choose for the home library . It is advisable that the collection include a variety of music in order to provide a broad spectrum of listening enjoyment. If one is unfamiliar with good, classical music, it may be difficult to make his selections . Below is a list of albums recommended by Dr. Anderson . Most of these works are accessiple at libraries and record stores . General collections such as the sets available from Time/Life include many of these works and are an excellent investment. Vivaldi Bach Handel Haydn Mozart Beethoven Schubert Chopin Tchaikovsky Saint-Saens Strauss Debussy Prokofiev Copland Britten THE BAROQUE ERA The Four Seasons (Anything!) Messiah CLASSIC ERA Surprise Symphony Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Sixth Symphony (Pastorale); chamber music ROMANTIC ERA vocal works piano works Nutcracker Suite Carnival of the Animals Till Eulenspiegel' s Merry Pranks MODERN ERA piano and orchestral works Peter and the Wolf Appalachian Spring Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Variations on a Theme of Purcell) L~---..0-.lb><Q><Q>A.QM.-