Blessing Your Home with Music
One year ago I once
again had the privilege of participating in God’s greatest miracle—the birth of
a baby, complete with fingers and toes, a rosy complexion, a wailing cry, and a
sweet spirit fresh from the presence of our Father in Heaven.
Oh, the emotions of
overwhelming joy that flooded my soul as I thanked my Father in Heaven for the
divine calling of being a mother! As I held that little bundle in my arms for
the first time, I reflected upon the decisions along life’s path that had
brought me to that very moment—decisions made when the lure of an exciting
career in music dangled in front of me.
I pondered the day I
auditioned for entrance to the master’s degree program at the Juilliard School
of Music in New York City. I felt the Spirit bless my performance, and when I
received the news that I had been accepted to study with a renowned teacher and
concert pianist, I knew the Spirit was guiding my path. I had set a goal early
in life to study music at Juilliard, to obtain a master’s degree, and to bless
the lives of others with the talents the Lord had given me. Those two years of intensive
study and performance were the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
But there were other
dreams in my life as well, nurtured from early childhood. As I approached
completion of my degree, I spent many hours in prayer to my Father in Heaven,
seeking his guidance once again in a major decision. Should I continue in New
York City where I had had so many choice opportunities, or was there something
greater in store? Prayer, fasting, and pondering my patriarchal blessing
brought the answer; I decided to return to Utah upon completion of my degree. I
will never forget the expression of shock and disbelief on the face of my piano
teacher in New York as I announced to her my decision. But it was a decision I
have never regretted, for shortly after I returned I met a young man who met
every criteria—and then some—of the person I had always wanted to marry. This
was Heavenly Father’s answer. What great joy and happiness Greg and I have
shared in our marriage!
I have a deep
conviction that nothing in my life, not even a concert career, can surpass the
divine calling of being a mother. I have learned that all the honors, awards,
trophies, and crowns in the world cannot compare to the rewards of motherhood.
This is not to say that I have given up music to rear a family—far from it. Music is a very important part of my life and the
lives of my family. It has richly blessed our home and the lives of others.
Two special people
provided the opportunities for me to study music, sacrificed so that I might
reap the benefits, and lovingly encouraged me to develop discipline early in
life. There were many tearful moments learning the great lesson of discipline
when I longed to play kick soccer with the neighborhood children rather than practice
the piano—but I learned that practicing came first, then kick soccer. I
remember the many times my father took time off from work to drive me to a
performance in the far reaches of the state. I remember my mother faithfully
attending my piano lessons week after week, and the many hours she practiced
with me, though there were other pressing matters that needed her attention.
Thus, I have learned
that music can bless the lives of children, and in turn can richly bless the
home. We are striving to surround our children with beautiful music, ranging
from the classic composers to the rich heritage of our Latter-day Saint hymns.
What a thrill it was one night in family home evening to hear our 2
1/2-year-old sing the first verse of “The Spirit of God Like a Fire” (Hymns, no. 213.) Not all the
words were correct, but he sang it with the spirit and fervor that he had heard
so many times on the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus record, in our family
home evenings, and in sacrament meetings. How exciting
it is to see our children choose the sacred hymns of the Church over songs
heard on TV or the radio. As I watch our children gain appreciation for
Beethoven and the other great masters, I’m convinced that it’s not that they’re
musical geniuses, but simply that they are developing a love for beautiful
music through constant exposure. For it is true that the more we become
acquainted with good music, the more we enjoy and appreciate it. One is never
too old or too young to enjoy good music; even a young baby loves the hum of a
lullaby.
We have discovered
that listening to classical music during mealtimes adds a special spirit to our
home. The boys take their naps as they listen through the intercom to the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir or the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus records. At
night Greg and I sing the children’s favorite Primary songs during “cuddle
time.” We use these times to plant the tiny seed of testimony, the seed of love
for our Heavenly Father and our fellowmen. We’ve found that our children are
responding positively to our efforts to instill a love for things good and
uplifting.
When you encourage
your children to be music-minded, you are making an investment that will yield
dividends for a lifetime. Some psychologists and musical educators feel that
the study of music has a beneficial influence in the training of the mind. They
believe, for example, that children who enjoy music rate higher scholastically
and develop more active imaginations. In a poll of two hundred American college
and university staff members, 196 felt that youngsters with some musical
training were definitely superior students to those who had no experience with
music.
Music improves coordination
between thought and action, encourages creative and orderly thinking, fosters
mental alertness and, most important, builds what I call “staying power.” Music
is often the first artistic activity that makes a child realize he must work
hard to accomplish what he wants. It requires self-control.
Musical training
develops concentration and memory, as well as the senses of sight, heating, and
touch. Arithmetic and abstract concepts are also better understood. Trained to
understand the complexities of rhythm and the exact relationship of harmonics,
a youngster is more thoroughly prepared to absorb the abstract principles of
physics and mathematics.
There are deep
satisfactions in the world of music. Certain compositions can exhilarate and
excite, others can soothe. This can be seen in the reactions of a child on
hearing the stirring melodies of a march or the softer tones of a lullaby or
gentle hymn. Music is not only a natural stimulus, but a natural outlet.
Creative musical experience provides an effective means of gaining release from
tension—and this has been especially true during the extremely cold winter
months in our home in Wisconsin. There have been days on end when we have not
ventured outside. My little children, filled with the typical energy of
childhood, have enjoyed playing rhythm instruments such as the toy drum, rhythm
sticks, and song bells. Then they will dance as I play favorite little songs
for them at the piano. This is a wonderful energy release for them. Often they
dance until their rosy cheeks indicate to me that a quieter activity will do.
I am reminded that there are some parents who regard musical ability as a special gift and think none but the talented should study. Not long ago a child’s musical training was abandoned if he did not show signs of talent by age seven. Today, many parents realize that finding out where a child’s talent lies can be achieved only by consistent study. It is sad to think how many great talents have never been developed simply because the people never knew they had them. The French composer Claude Debussy showed little promise as a child; he lacked even the beginner’s enthusiasm at the start of his training. Neither of his parents was musical, and it was not until a former pupil of Chopin heard the boy’s half-hearted playing that any real effort was made to encourage him. For a long time, Claude found difficulty in mastering certain techniques of music, and his teachers were not impressed by his endeavors. But when he became interested, he developed into a serious and dedicated student, and his perseverance won out. Today he is recognized as the foremost pioneer of musical impressionism.
I believe that parents
are the key influence in their children’s attitude toward music. It lies within
their power to make music an investment their children will enjoy throughout
their lives, providing them with beauty, variety, inspiration, and comfort.
Let me emphasize that
a mother need not be a music major to teach her children a love for good music.
If a mother feels musically inadequate, she could simply turn on a record of
hymns and sing along with her children. I would encourage families to sing
together—sing in family home evenings, sing before bedtime, sing when someone
is in a bad mood. The spirit of a home can quickly be set on the right course
with good music because it has a unifying effect. A child will long remember
the hours spent singing with parents and brothers and sisters in the warmth of
the family circle.
I have a personal
testimony of the power of music to teach, to edify, to bring the human spirit
into harmony with God. I know that with Him as our source of power, we can
provide our homes with stability and direction. And as we do so, we can
surround our children with the beauty and happiness that abounds in life and
that eternity holds in store for them.
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