Q. Seriously, I know I shouldn't be talking like this. But I'm really fed up with it. What I'm referring to is the gifts that God gives us. For example, I play a musical instrument (piano). I've put in hours a day practicing, learning new chords, etc. I pretty much busted my butt to strive and become better.
The bible clearly tells us not to really boast or show off. All the music, chords, everything I learn are based on Christian music. I play for my church and currently studying music out of state at a secular college. However, what really pisses me off, everytime I'm at school, there's always someone showing off, or there's some professor talking about how good this person is. And where does that leave me? I'm always on a leash playing hush hush when no one knows how good I am, how good I play, etc. And as much as I want to do something about it, I really feel like I shouldn't because I'll be boasting. So I never play at class to catch someones attention like other people do. It really eats me up.
So my question is, why does God tell us not to boast about things we do, and yet how will people know about my musical ability? Its like all the hours I've put into practicing are for nothing. No one at school doesn't know how good I am. (except my church) I know I'm suppose to be playing for God, and his glory. But I just feel so let down by this. What do I do?
A. There is an important distinction here
You can be confident, self assure and pleased with your talent
and still remain humble
But if you are all about "Look at me look at me" you are looking for more than acknowlegement of your talent and hard work.....you are looking for and ego stroke....and that's pride
God resist the proud and gives grace to the humble - James and 1 Peter
Where did non-biblical judeo-christian "theology" come from?
Q. During the middle ages when the church and government were the same thing people would be killed under the accusation of heresy(going against the church). Heresy would include: playing "demonic" chords on the piano, playing a worship song outside of the church, a women reading the Bible, a women reading period, saying the world was spherical, and ect. I recently watched a traumatizing movie based on the true story where the Roman Catholic Church had a torturess convent for "whores" that stood based on principles of a false re-creation of the story of Mary Magdeline. It was all non-biblical but has shaped people views of Christianity for centuries. Where did it come from?
A. People invented things that were convenient to popular belief during that particular time period and said it was God's word so they didn't have to argue with anyone about it.
How to get to Advanced Level Keyboard (Musicians only, please)?
Q. Well I've been studying piano seriously for about 4 or 5 months, and I've really progressed. Among classes I've taken and books that I've read, I've been in a jazz band and in my friend's rock/blues band.
I've studied all kinds of genres. I can do Jerry Lee Louis boogie-woogie, some Fats Waller stride, I can do classical, and that's just the old stuff. I've been listening to and trying to figure out more rock keyboard as of lately, such as Jon Lord from Deep Purple, Jordan Rudess with Dream Theater, Keith Emerson with ELP, Ray Manzarek with The Doors, and so on... I even do my own covers of their songs and my personal favorites, Tool and A Perfect Circle.
Even with all this, Im still not sure how Im supposed to be getting any better. I have tried to network with other keyboardists in hopes that I'll find some better ones to learn from, but it's hard to find keyboardists, even online... Basically Im trying to ask how I can get to the point that I can say that Im an advanced keyboardist. Im not really sure where to go as far as skills, but I learn quickly, since I've been playing most my life(Im `18 by the way).
I would greatly appreciate any input anyone has for a learning student of the piano. Any guidance or advice is welcome.
Just in case anyone who wants to get where I am, this is what I do and recommend.
-Get a Hanon exercise book and do exercises daily, up and down.
-Get some of Carl Humphries's books, like the Piano Improvisation Handbook or Piano Handbook. If anything, BUY THESE BOOKS.... Theyre only like $20 bucks, and after going through them, you won't be the same musician again. I recommend the Improvisation book first, because it'll teach you everything from Improvisation, to theory, to harmony, to intervals, to counterpoint, to stuff I can't even imagine anyone thinking up... It's a good, book...
- Get an electronic keyboard. One that has about 400-500 different voices. Get used to it and then go to the next step.
-Find a band. A band will force you to be very versatile. Going from 1-voice sax sounds, to chordal pads, to fast-handed synth will really round your playing ability... also, Keyboardists are hard to find! Congratulations! Youre an asset!
- Learn theory. Piano's the best instrument to know while youre going through any kind of theory. You can do chords, inversions, 4-voice compositions, and so on. It all revolves around our instrument...
-Finally, Listen to lots of different groups. Study many different genres. Different influences round you as a musician. Study a genre and find prominent keyboardists in that genre. Listen to what they do. Know and understand them. That way, you'll truly be influenced by them. There's another book called the Keyboard Bible. It's really good $20 also. Check em out!
Sorry for jumping around, but yeah, If anyone knows how I can get better, I'd love the help...
Thanks.
A. the dollar tree
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Title : Christians: I'm fed up with it, why shouldn't we boast or showoff?
Description : Q. Seriously, I know I shouldn't be talking like this. But I'm really fed up with it. What I'm referring to is the gifts that G...