Using Music to See Him by Nicola

Using Music to See Him by Nicola - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

C. S. Lewis once said, “Don’t shine so that others can see you shine, shine so that through you, others can see Him.” I use music to serve because it makes me and others happy. Serving with music has given me a deeper appreciation for people and a greater love of music. I have learned that music is my gift, and that I have a responsibility to develop this gift for the benefit of myself and others.
At the age of twelve, I asked my church leader if I could play the piano for Young Women’s class. At first, I was terrified and made embarrassing mistakes; I still remember playing a hymn for a young women’s recognition night and missing the closing introduction mark—I played the entire two-page song for the introduction! However, making mistakes taught me that serving doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect: it means that you have to keep trying. At the age of thirteen, I was called to be church organist. Many people were surprised to see someone so young playing the organ. I did my best, but still struggled with rhythm and fear. Finding a balance between following the congregation, the chorister, and the music, proved challenging. The congregation often sang as slowly as I let them, so I had to increase the speed whether they liked it or not. Playing the organ significantly improved my rhythmic ability. The congregation appreciated my willingness to serve because music is an essential part of worship.
My Sunday School teacher asked me to play the organ for his wife’s funeral. He explained that this would mean a lot to her because they had both loved teaching me in their class. I played prelude and hymns for the service. This was hard for me because I knew them both well, but I was grateful to help him during his time of grief. This experience made me grateful that I had put a lot of time and energy into learning the organ.
I was later called to be the choir pianist. I wasn’t nervous at this point because I had become accustomed to accompanying soloists and the congregation. However, I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. I knew accompanying a choir was a perfect opportunity to prepare me for a choral education program, but I felt swamped with school, a theatrical production, and multiple musical church callings. Learning the choir songs also seemed to limit my time to practice singing. The more I thought about this, however, I realized that it is not all about me and what I can gain from helping. It is about the help I can provide, the relationships I form, and the happiness of the people I serve. I was also excited to realize that all my musical service has helped me as a vocalist. Developing many musical talents will allow me to become the best singer and choral director I can be.
The relationships I have formed at high school, church, seminary, “Messiah” practices, community plays, and senior citizen centers have helped me appreciate others. My service has made me a happier, more giving person because it allows me to get outside myself and help others find joy. I will continue using music to serve others in the community because I have seen its beneficial effects.