In the end, after all, it is music we will be doing in heaven, so practicing down here is essentially practicing for heaven. Practicing music is an under-appreciated way in which we fulfill that great petition on earth as it is in heaven.

I would love for you to abandon all notions that “some are born with it, and some aren't.” I would love for you to be slower to acknowledge someone as “talented,” and instead acknowledge they have done something we were designed to do and could all do. If you do this, you will begin to allow yourself and your family to become really good musicians.

In my experience, most people share mixed experiences with ensemble or group musical sessions. I’ve heard grand and inspiring success stories and some depressing tales that made my heart sink. As I mention later, these stories, combined with my experiences in orchestras and group ensembles over the last decade, have greatly influenced the methodologies and principles I’ve folded into the core of our BMA String Orchestra.

God puts a “new song on our lips” for a reason

—music speaks, as Hans Christian Anderson said, when words fail.

Perhaps you want to see your kids flourishing more in their musical education all throughout the week.

Then again, perhaps that thought hasn’t occurred to you at all, but now you wonder, too:

What steps can you take towards that goal?

C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters makes it plain that temptations are subtle, and humans are vulnerable. A temptation will never call itself by its name in the moment, and man, in his weakness, will not guard his weak points.