Swan Song for the Piano?
“The future [of the piano] in American culture is uncertain.” That was the headline of an article that caught my eye this weekend in my local newspaper. The full version is available via the LA Times website. This is a slight departure from the usual blog posts on music as it relates to worship, but I thought it interesting nonetheless.
Not surprisingly, with all the diverse activities and technology available to kids (and adults), piano lessons and playing isn’t always at the top of the priority list. For many, the piano is merely a piece of furniture. Alas. Playing the piano is a lifetime activity that promotes mental agility, dexterity, and is a source of relaxation and stress relief.
Children and the Organ
This past Sunday as I was playing the organ postlude, I saw in my peripheral vision someone standing off to the side. I lost my focus for a beat as I wondered who it was and what he wanted. To my surprise it was a father with his 3 or 4-year old son. The little guy wanted to see the “thing” that made all the noise.
As this was happening, someone walked by and jokingly said, “Chris, it looks like you might have some competition on the organ bench.” Those words have been with me the last few days. Not the competition part, but the part of nurturing our young people to consider pursuing church music vocations.
Share your thoughts . . .