Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 1

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 1

 I have often mentioned in my writing that pastors, parents, and music educators have a responsibility to pass our music values on to the next generation.  This process of attempting to instill the conservative music values in the lives of our children is many times a painful and unsuccessful endeavor.  Although we have a responsibility to share our values with the next generation, we must be sure that we do the right thing in the right way.

It is one thing for pastors, parents, music ministers, and Christian music educators to have strong beliefs concerning music but the passing of the baton to the next generation must be a “civil” process.  Long heated discussions ending in anger and tears seldom get the job done successfully.  Name calling and equating a young person’s musical tastes with their relationship to Jesus Christ is most regrettable. 

Thought for the Day

What is the cause of a lack of communication about music between one generation and another?  Why do young people and their parents often experience a musical generation gap which is often brought about by differences in musical tastes, values, and outlook?   Those of you who are ministering with the great art of sacred music today must remember that the greatest way to bridge the music gap is with genuine heart-felt musicing.  Every generation engages more quickly when they can see and feel that you care deeply about the music.