third argument

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Apr 3, 2024

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Jonathan Kenders Ms. Gilbert Senior Bible 26 January 2024 Worship Through the Art of Music The Theory Behind Worship Music When analyzing the impact that music has on worship and the emotions that the music invokes, many people take the side that the lyrics or environment are solely responsible. Taking a closer look however, requires knowledge of music theory, or the study of the fundamentals that create music including notes, rhythm, key signature, melody, harmony, and form. Music theory can sometimes be seen as the cynic’s view of worship music, or as the replacement of the Holy Spirit that many Christians believe invokes emotions upon the listener and singer of worship music to the Lord. While there is unexplainable impact that the Holy Spirit has on a worshiper, music theory is the most common source of emotional response to worship music. By explaining the complexity of music theory and its importance to worship, we will be able to answer the question about why music is the most wonderful and human method of worship to God. What is music theory? According to Levine Music, a diverse music community created in 1976, music theory is the study of what music could possibly be. From the grammar of musical language to the function of every note, music theory is the answer to every question someone can ask about music. Theory looks at a few main points: Notes and scales, rhythm and meter, melody and form, and chords and harmony (Levine). First, notes are the fundamental unit of melodic sound. Notes form scales and chords and are labeled with letters F,G,A,B,C,D, and E, as well as
accidentals. Rhythm is the way time is arranged in music, with things like tempo, beats, and syncopation that are the ruleset for how rhythm plays in a song. Also in rhythm is time signature, which according to AVID, a music production site, is “The structural foundation for rhythm, defining how many beats are in each measure or bar of music and what type of note receives one beat” (Avid). The most common time signature for worship is 4/4, with songs like “Beauty of the Cross” by Prestonwood Worship, “Praise” by Elevation Worship, “I Believe” by Phil Wickham, “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music, and “I Thank God” by Maverick City Music. Other popular time signatures include 6/8 with songs like “You’ve Already Won” by Shane & Shane, “Trust In God” by Elevation Worship, and “Great Are You Lord/Gratitude” by Travis Cottrell. Another variable of music is key signature, the most important aspect of fundamental theory. Key signature determines what notes are allowed to be played in a piece of music, and are the most prevalent factor in determining the feeling of a piece of music. Each scale has a major and relative minor that makes up the notes and chords seen in a piece of music, but “there are also various modes and exotic scales that add unique flavors to a song” (Avid). All musicians should be familiar with music theory in order to improve musicianship, empower their creativity, boost confidence, and effectively communicate the ideas and emotions of their music (Levine). For musicians and non-musicians alike, the advantages of music theory are suggestions, but as a worship leader, in order to use music as a tool for worship and give a congregation the ability to connect with God in the most wonderful way possible, they must know how to navigate music theory. Hosea 4:6 says “ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”, and although it is not talking about music, it still applies to a worship leader. It is the job of a worship leader to guide sessions of worship and thus the emotions and hearts of an entire congregation. According to
Nathan Gifford, a worship pastor with over 20 years of experience, in his article series “Music Theory in Worship”, many worship leaders “fall very short in the area of music theory” (Gifford). He also says that many of them lack the motivation to learn, as they believe they are “getting the job done” (Gifford), but God does not call for his creation to simply get the job done. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “ Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” The topics of music theory are quintessential in order to lead worship to the maximum of one’s ability, especially in the church setting, where music is being used as a tool to connect with God and the Spirit. Gifford takes this knowledge and explains the importance of music theory to worship music. Gifford describes the process one should take when creating a set list for worship. It is a worship leader’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of the ability of the band, the instrumentation, and how the music will flow. In order to make informed decisions, the worship leader has to know music theory. First, by knowing the key signature, a musician can know what chords will be used and the common chord progression in that key. From there a worship leader can create an effective setlist with a workable flow. Worship is a time for God to be praised with the whole heart and by having a worship leader who considers natural flow and minimal distractions in the music, one can connect easier with the Lord. There are people however who disagree with this statement. They believe that God should speak to the band through prayer to decide to create a set list, not the worship leader deciding based on science and theory. Gifford combats this statement with reference to Psalms 33:3 that says “Sing to Him a new song” AND “play skillfully”. Although prayer is the number one consideration when choosing songs to perform, playing skillfully requires logic and knowledge to maintain music as the most
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