Music Education in the Christian Home is a highly unique musical instructional manual dedicated to parents. From the opening sentence to the end of the book, music is viewed and examined as a command of the Lord, and not simply a subject or art to be pursued! The author supports this belief with the notation that there are over 200 specific Scripture references directing us to make music to God. Dr. Froehlich also contends that there is a critical difference between making music as unto the Lord, and activities that are encouraged to find a child's special bent or gifting. The second is an activity for the child, while the first is a pursuit unto God! Dr. Froehlich continues to note that while some children do have a specific talent in the area of music, music making is itself an acquired skill in which our Biblical models were well trained. Therefore, music making is inclusive of all believers and it is the parent's responsibility to oversee this area of instruction just as they would any other Biblical command!

Chapter 2 of Music Education in the Christian Home lists and expounds upon the five primary purposes of music. It begins with music as a tool for corporate worship and obedience, moves into music as a tool for developing a personal relationship with God and for support of one another in the body, and finally, highlights music as a weapon of spiritual warfare and as a tool for instruction and witnessing. Music training incorporates song, dance, and instrument playing. Biblical music makers were highly skilled and their training was a priority - music makers went before the armies of God! The presence of God was inseparable from the worship.

Music Education in the Christian Home examines the various methods of musical instruction today including the church. It includes a chapter that recommends specific pieces for "Listening Instruction," along with one on "Developing a Well-rounded Musician." Chapter 6 covers "Music Theory." Chapters 7 and 8 cover "An Integrated Arts Approach" and "Real Life Music Education," respectively. Chapter 9 is a "Music Education Checklist." This is only half of the book. The other half is filled with resources.

If you, like me, are not musically inclined or have not had the opportunity to study music, you will finally know why you feel as though you've have missed a great joy. I strongly recommend Music Education in the Christian Home for every parent who desires to communicate a Biblical worldview in the arts. It will provide a tremendous foundation for building worship in your children. I would even go so far as to say that Music Education in the Christian Home should be required reading for every worship leader/instructor in the church!



-- Product Review by: Teri Lucas, Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine