Music Appreciation 101

I love music.  I always have.  I feel blessed to have been raised with parents who valued good music.  I realize there are various styles of music with numerous opinions on what makes good music.  I subscribe to the following definition (of what makes good music and other forms of media).  It is taken from the pamphlet "For the Strength of Youth" published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It was a guide to me while I was in my youth and it continues to be a good source of direction.

Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that uplifts you.

Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.

Take care that your use of media does not dull your sensitivity to the Spirit or interfere with your personal relationships with others.

I know that this is true.  I also know that others jeer at this and that my peers might think my taste in music/media is too strict; but I have felt a greater spiritual strength in my life when I am very careful about following this council.  Being sensitive to the Spirit of God, I believe, is one of the greatest blessings we can have.  By doing so, we are led, guided, and uplifted to greater spiritual planes.

Having said all this, what is the significance of "Music Appreciation 101"?  My father initiated a Christmas tradition 21 years ago.  Every Christmas Eve we listen to selected choruses of Handel's Messiah, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  We eliminate all sources of distraction (as much as possible) and sit quietly, listening to the beautiful melodies, and ponder the words of the music.

 

I may be all alone in this tradition, depending on my circumstances, but I've done this every year since 1990.  I have had some very emotional and spiritual personal experiences in this tradition.  I encourage anyone reading this to consider starting this tradition as well. 

Oh, and it is nice to follow the musical feast with a banana split.