Music leaders: Putting in the hard yards

All musicians know that they should. But the truth is, practice is difficult.

As with any worthwhile skill, nothing comes for free. Practice is the price a musician pays for the ability to participate in the musical life. The beginner cannot play Beethoven, and even the skilled pianist must grapple with Scriabin. How then should we, as Christian believers, think of practice? Here are some of my initial thoughts:

First, practice is service.

The skills that I hone in solitude, I deploy in the service of others in public. My practice is not curved in on itself, as I am not the end of my own gifts and abilities. I seek to take the gifts that God has given me and use my practice to love God and bring Him glory, and love others as I serve them.

Second, practice is rewarding.

Proverbs says that “The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt” (Prov.12:27). There is real joy in feasting on the riches of practice! How wonderful it is when music comes together, and people experience something of the beauty of God’s orderly creation in harmony and melody.

Thirdly, practice reaches beyond the mechanical increase of a skill.

As with all things, we are called to go about it for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10v31) and for the good of others.

Here are four practical ways I help myself to keep going with practice:

1. Aim for little and often.
2. Set specific goals.
3. Try to have fun.
4. Ask for help. You could find a teacher who will give you six lessons as a refresher.