“What guidelines should govern my efforts to write original music with a contemporary sound?” New Era, Jan. 1977, 19

“I want to write original music with a contemporary sound that will be acceptable to the Church. What guidelines should govern my efforts?”

The first thing I always consider is the purpose for which I am writing a particular piece of music. I ask, “What will this music be used for? Will it be used for entertainment, for concert audiences, or for worship?” Each of these purposes requires a unique approach and rather different skills and talents on the part of the composer. A piece of music that is appropriate for entertainment will not find acceptance by the Church in worship services no matter how excellently it is fashioned. And the piece that speaks of sacred things will not be acceptable when we are gathered together for purposes of entertainment. Know your purpose and write for that purpose.

The second thing that I consider is the audience for which I am writing. “How much do they know about music? What is their musical language—country-western, classical, hymns, pop and rock, choral anthems? What sounds can I use that will communicate with them? What sounds will they understand?” Many fine pieces of contemporary music are little used because they fail to speak the musical language of the audience for which they are intended. Know your audience and write for that audience.

The third thing I consider is the effect that certain “contemporary sounds” may have on my audience and, therefore, on my purpose. In the area of popular entertainment music, I might ask, “What do most people associate with this contemporary sound? Is that what I want them to feel? How can I alter the sound to help them understand what I really mean?” In the area of concert or worship music, I might add, “How difficult will my music be? Will the performer(s) be able to adequately understand and convey my intentions? Am I writing ‘paper-music’ or ‘people-music’?”

Some contemporary sounds are unacceptable because they are tied so strongly with activities and/or attitudes that oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ. Composers who seek to write acceptable music for the Church must recognize and accept this fact. Know all styles of contemporary music well and seek to understand how each style is understood by your audience.

The fourth thing I consider is my own preparation for the task I have chosen. “Do I have the knowledge and skill to write for others? Will my contribution be at all unique? Have I prepared through thorough study, or am I full of desire but empty of know-how?” There are many ways for each of us to improve our preparation, and this should be a constant, lifelong pursuit. It is important, however, to recognize what we are prepared to do today and what we will be prepared to do tomorrow. Know yourself and the kinds of purposes and audiences you are prepared to write for.

The fifth thing I consider is tied to me as an individual. “Am I being honest in my musical expression? Are my sounds contemporary because I feel and think contemporary, or am I simply trying to copy others?” Take the time to listen and to study the music of as many different contemporary composers as possible. Seek to understand what makes each of them unique. Observe the sounds that strike responsive feelings in you. Know yourself and have the courage to write music that honestly speaks from your heart.

The sixth, and most important, consideration I have is, “Am I living the commandments so as to be worthy to write music that is acceptable to the Church? Am I prepared spiritually to request help in my chosen task? Am I prepared to accept the help when it comes?” It is so easy to fall into the habit of believing that we know what is best for the Church. It is the Church of Jesus Christ that we are seeking to serve. All of us should live so that we can know and please the Savior through our musical efforts. Then those efforts will truly be acceptable to the Church. Know the Savior and seek to please Him with your musical creations.

Photo by Lonnie Lonczyna