One aspect of living the music major life is the countless hours spent inside a practice room filled with many frustrating, tearful moments and other moments of wonder at the music that you created. Sometimes the many hours of playing scales or rudiments (basically the scales/foundation of snare drumming) seem useless and unnecessary, and the time spent dissecting a score and analyzing every little bit of ink that is on the page can seem tedious. However, all of these elements lead to a better performance, better preparation in an ensemble, and a fuller understanding of the music that is created.

Scales are often described as the vocabulary of music. Music, in its most basic form, is the manipulation of notes, and scales are patterns of notes that have some sort of underlying pattern or sound that defines them. There are many times where learning a piece is much easier because of a knowledge of scales or chords, leading to an ability to sight read and understand the music at a higher level. However, the mastering of scales is the result of many many hours of practicing.

In many ways, I realized that the Bible could be related to the development of musical technique and vocab. To be able to “converse” in music, one has to have a solid grasp of the vocabulary that is found in scales and chords. Similarly, to be able to converse with God, one has to have a good understanding of the Bible.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” John 1:1-2,14,18 ESV

“In the beginning was the Word.” Words are an expression of desire, and a means of communication. God desires to converse with man, and the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Only through Him is the Father made known. For us to know God, we need to have Him made known to us through the Son and the Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” John 1:1-2,14,18 ESV

Another aspect of individual practice and preparation for music, is the studying of scores. When playing a piece, solo or ensemble, it’s important to understand every little aspect that is on the page and how those should affect the way you perform the piece. The score is written insight into the intent of a composer and that which the composer desires to be made known. When studying a score, a musician would use their knowledge of scales, chords, theory, and musical technique to mark fingerings, dynamics, phrases and many other aspects of the music.

In our Christian lives, when we’re wondering how the Lord is working in our lives, or in the world, it would also be beneficial for us to have our own “score study” time. God has an intention and plan that has existed through eternity past to eternity future. Similar to score study, it’s important for us to know the scales, chords, and theory of God’s plan, through our time in the Word, our time in our Spirit, and our time in communion with God Himself. The outcome of studying a score is a performance that is in line with the composer’s intent, yet with every musician’s own personal expression. Similarly, each member of the Body should be in line with God’s intent and plan, yet have their own operation and portion.

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

For us to be complete and equipped for every good work, there needs to be the time spent in training and teaching of the Word. Just like a musician practicing their scales, we need to be spending time in God’s Word to develop the vocabulary needed to serve and live for Him.

“...make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge…” 2 Peter 1:5 ESV

I realized while sitting in a practice room, during hour number 4 of practice, that the reason that I had no idea what God had in store for me was because of my lack of pursuit of His Word and life. I spent so much time developing my skills as a music major (this is not to say ignore your studies and don’t pursue your craft) that I failed to spend the time pursuing God and truly Majoring in God. To be able to see God’s plan and His intent for us and humankind, we must develop a relationship with Him and converse with him through the vocabulary found in His Word and His life. Let us make every effort to seek His face and the kingdom of His righteousness!