Did you know that many of the four-part hymns sung in many conservative Anabaptist meetings today were written between 1725 and 1925? We typically really like them. “Blessed...
Should We Sing a New Song?
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Articles
Choral Facial Expressions
I enjoy watching and listening to music groups sing. But, without fail, whenever I watch a music group sing, many of them adopt a facial expression not unlike if they had stomach...
My Teacher Could Sight-Sing
For my final interview of this type, Adolf Unger talks about how he became interested in music and the influence that music can have. This interview is part of a series of...
I Sing as I Live
I wanted to know what people my age are saying to my interview questions, so I asked my friend Grace Weaver about her experiences with music. This interview is part of a series...
Teach Them to Love It
In this article, Burton Heatwole talks about why he sings with his family. This interview is part of a series of articles on how best to encourage music. Lynn Martin: What’s your...
We Didn’t Sing at All
For this article, I asked my pastor, Kevin Brechbill, about his experiences with singing. This interview is part of a series of articles on how best to encourage music. Lynn...
Music: Where to Start?
This is an introduction to a series of articles on how best to encourage music. “I can’t sing,” my pastor told me. “I wish I could, but I can’t sing a note.” I was surprised. His...
Building Confidence Singing in Church
What are five ways I can build my confidence as a congregational singer? I must sing. It’s what a redeemed person does. I won’t build confidence by only listening to...
Singing New Songs
Poetry is one of our primary means of worship. The prayers and praises recorded in Scripture are nearly always written in verse, and today we still worship God with...
Singing in Original Languages
"What are some benefits and drawbacks of singing songs in their original language, when most of the audience cannot understand the text? Are these issues different if sung in a...
Enduring Quality in Music
In this short article, Wendell Glick explores the question: “What gives a piece of music enduring quality?”
Gospel Songs & Hymns: What’s the Difference?
The texts of hymns should cover the full range of Gospel truth and experience. This means that serious thought must given to achieving a realistic balance in worship…
Teaching Your Child Music
How can I start teaching my child music? With what do I start and at what age? Here are some tips.
Church Music, Old and New
One of the many debates about what music is suitable and helpful for worship has focused on “old music” and “new music.” The debate is at times divisive…
Helping Those Who Sing “Off-tune”
Anytime we respond to someone who says they are tone deaf or can’t carry a tune, we should use language very carefully. For starters,…
Understanding Key Signature Notation
Key signature notation is a relatively simple skill that can look hopelessly complicated. It is not that tough. It does require some thinking, and always wants a good deal of practice.
The Whole Counsel of God
In his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, Paul said, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” Paul was referring to his teaching and preaching ministry, but…
Why Does the Church Sing?
Singing is not universally enjoyed. That’s actually a favor, because it forces us to ask: “Why does the church sing?”