Musical Notes and Thoughts

Today, I’m launching a new blog series: Music Thoughts and Notes. While the Thoughts for Today blog focuses on expounding on the Scriptures, apologetics, and culture, Music Thoughts and Notes will have a broader focus.

Many of you know my background: I’ve got a Master’s in Pastoral Studies, and a Doctorate in Worship Studies. Before those degrees, I had a bachelor degree in music.

While I’ve done quite a bit of theological writing—a major interest—do some preaching and considerable teaching at Faith & Reason Ministries, leading worship is a key focus. At church, I use mountain dulcimer the most, a traditional folk instrument, but also play some piano.

My main instrument though, is classical double-bass. With the onset of sight loss, my days of playing in any sort of orchestral ensemble, but playing the solo literature of the bass remains possible (plus several cello transcriptions). While by God’s grace I can reach concert solo level, that isn’t something I can consistently sustain. Nevertheless, there were a number of years where I’d average a couple solo recitals per year, something I’m intending to return to.

At times, I’ve also done a fair amount of composing, everything from works for solo double-bass, solo double-bass and viola, some general compositions, along with works for church choir. I’m currently working on a new double-bass concerto.

Unexpectedly, in the past I’ve done some ensemble directing—a humorous situation to me. If I’m the one leading the ensemble, I don’t have to worry about not having the eyesight to see an ensemble leader (humorous comments about the blind leading come to mind, but I’ll refrain).

What do I plan on discussing in this new blog? We’ll look at that question in the next post.

Addendum: In view of the recent award program that blatantly gave praise and worship to Satan, the timing of starting this blog is interesting. How can we, as Christians, glorify God through creative means? I’m also thinking of many composers who both glorified God and wrote much wonderful music: J. S. Bach comes immediately to mind. One thing I do firmly believe is that as we move further away from God the Creator, the less creative we will become.