The "Why" of Music--Sidsie Vaughn

Ever since I was young, I felt drawn to music and wanted to learn how to play it. Although I never really knew why, I appreciated almost every piece that I heard. To me, the songs that were minor were dubbed “scary,” while the pieces written in major keys were “happy.” As time went on, I learned to play some of these piano pieces, understood the theory behind the things I heard and played, and came to love music even more.

But it wasn’t until I was older that I came to understand more fully that music is an extension of our souls. It is one of the purest forms of communication we humans can have. Music breaks through language and age barriers, and as Bach often hinted in his music notes, brings us closer to God. It reminds us of what it was like to live with Him before we were born and it brings a longing to live in His presence after we leave this life.
More than ever I love studying music because it makes me feel good and fills me with a greater capacity to love those around me. It makes me a better person in more ways than just giving me opportunities to work hard and persevere until I perfect a hard piece. It also brings the Spirit more fully into my life and makes me want to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I’m so grateful for the good influence of music in our lives!