“Helpful Music Resources,” Ensign, July 2015, 75
Helpful Music Resources
Music is an important part of personal and congregational worship. “Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father,” President Thomas S. Monson taught. “It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite.”1 In Doctrine and Covenants 25:12, the Lord tells us that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto [Him].” Here are some resources that can enrich your life musically at church or at home.
Music.lds.org
This is the Church’s main music site. If you have a music calling, look here for answers to frequently asked questions. You can use the interactive music player to listen to and download hymns and children’s songs. In the music library, you’ll find sheet music for any Church occasion.
Youth.lds.org
Did you know that the youth website has free, uplifting music for teens to listen to and download? Click “Music” on the right-hand menu to find a treasure trove of MP3 files from Especially for Youth and other popular albums.
Friend.lds.org
Click “Music in the Friend” and look for the “I Can Play It!” series if you want sheet music and audio files of simplified Primary songs. New this year, the Friend site also features music videos with beautiful pictures and captions for the sharing time songs.
Primary.lds.org
The “Leader Resources” page contains a section on music callings. There are videos from recent leadership training broadcasts that share ideas for teaching music to children.
Store.lds.org
Click the “Music, Media, and Art” category at the top of the page to order CDs of hymns and children’s songs that can be used when no accompanist is available. Under “Serving in the Church,” select “Specialists and Committees” and then scroll down to the music section to find kits that can help you learn to play the keyboard or conduct music.
Printed Materials
Diagrams for conducting music, chord charts, suggestions for fulfilling callings, and other helpful tips can be found in the back of the printed hymnbook and Children’s Songbook. Similar sections are found in The Choirbook and Young Women Camp Manual. Music is usually published at least twice a year in the Church magazines.