Prelude: Topics We'd Rather Avoid

On the theme of Topics We’d Rather Avoid, what are the topics that musicians would rather avoid? Most of us probably have several.

I can think of a few that I’ve tried to avoid or decided not to debate in my various musical positions in churches. These are often things that are either difficult to discuss or that just really annoy me personally but are not worth raising. They may also be customs or traditions that are peculiar to a specific location.

In no particular order, here are some things that I’d rather avoid:

•   Criticism about the musician’s leadership—too fast, too slow, too loud, too soft, wrong tune, etc.
•   Questions about the music director’s choices of music for ensembles.
•   Music that I’m not comfortable leading. A piece might feel too hard, written for instruments I don’t have access to or know how to play, or written in a style that I don’t play with confidence. It’s difficult to admit shortfalls in ability.
•   Discussions about why we shouldn’t sing Christmas carols in Advent season.
•   Debates about language. Some people in the congregation still don’t understand how crucial it is to use inclusive and expansive language.
•   Conversations about a sensitive subject; for example, offering accommodations to an older person so they can sit rather than stand or work from enlarged sheet music.
•   Clapping at the end of the service. I know several congregations that do this. It feels like the congregation is clapping for the postlude. When I finally got brave enough to ask why they do it, several people said they’re just showing their appreciation for the whole service.

In the Exploring section, you’ll find many more examples of topics that worship leaders would prefer to avoid.

Hard conversations are just that: hard! But for musicians, criticism is part of growth, through lessons, festivals, master classes, and exams. Perhaps, as church musicians, addressing difficult topics is part of our growth too. I know that over my own career, I have matured, affirmed my skills, and strengthened my beliefs. I have wrestled with difficult topics in the past and hope that I am capable of dealing with more of them in the future!

Tammy-Jo Mortensen, Music Editor

Image: Jan van der Wolf, Pexels.com