A Mystery of Music. Two facts in the Case.

 

We have Music so we can understand  

"I am often asked why I chose a life of music… instead of being a doctor or a lawyer or something important. The thought that someone would choose to be a musician and choose to teach it too; is something beyond reason to some. “It’s just a waste of time; a waste of life” … right?

I am Janice Deonne, a musician and teacher for over 30 years. 

1. A life without music

I always answer this question why? with the question "Can you imagine life without music?"

A life with no romantic serenades; no lively pop songs; no stirring symphonies; no inspirational lyrics, and our favourite movies would not have the same appeal without their film scores, written by some of the world's best musicians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

So, a world without music would be considered a dull, even unappealing world to live in. However, that’s just what we would have, without the gift of music.

2. Music is a gift

Music has a power over human emotion that can only be heaven-sent since it speaks straight to our hearts.

Music appeals to virtually every human emotion… It soothes and excites us, uplifts and inspires us. It moves us to ecstasy or reduces us to tears. Have you ever found solace in a soothing melody or joy in a favourite love song? Or does your favourite song of all time take you back to your childhood?

Music also has a very long, culturally diverse history handed down to us. Archaeological evidence indicates that centuries before our Common Era, African tribes played drums, horns, and bells. The ancient Chinese played a form of mouth organ and panpipes. The peoples of Egypt, India, Israel, and Mesopotamia played the harp.

What most don’t know; however, is that long before that, the Bible refers to the existence of music that goes back before the Flood, to the seventh generation after Adam. Naming Jubal as “the founder of all those who handle the harp and the pipe” (Genesis 4:21. the Bible). Says the book Insight on the Scriptures (vol. 2 p. 121) "Jubal may have invented both string and wind instruments or perhaps he 'founded' a profession, which gave impetus to the progress of music"… or both!

What a wonderful history. 

The conclusion of the matter is...

That all the best musicians had teachers. From musical families who performed in palaces to apprenticeships with the great contemporaries of their time. 

And with the power that music has and the rich history that comes with it, I’d say, I was off to a pretty good start in choosing my profession, and I wouldn’t give up my life as a musician and teacher for any other profession in the world.

I can’t imagine my life without music in it. Whether I’m playing electronic organ; drums; keyboard; or singing my heart out, I was born with a song in my heart…that was God’s gift to me. And I have immense satisfaction passing it on.