Why Older Musicians Predominantly Play in Church

At the age of 81, I am indeed considered an 'older musician.' However, making music in church has been a significant part of my life ever since I was about eight, and it still is many decades later. We encourage musicians of all ages to be part of our church music ensemble, showcasing instrumental talents from the guitar to the clarinet, cello, glockenspiel, violin, trumpet, or saxophone. Younger individuals are just as valuable, and we welcome their contributions, provided they have the experience and vision to arrange proper music.

Skills Development in Music

The answer to why many older musicians wind up playing in church is multifaceted. Becoming a proficient musician takes time and dedication. Younger individuals often lack the extensive experience needed to arrange and execute complex musical pieces. However, in church settings, there's also a value in maintaining a sense of continuity and tradition. Older musicians bring years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, which is invaluable to a church music ensemble.

The Contrast with Secular Music

In contrast, secular pop music tends to stage manage young performers to promote and exploit their talent. They often keep older, experienced musicians in the background, offstage, or in the studio, focusing only on the 'front,' younger, more visible individuals. This disparity can create a perception that church musicians are predominantly older, as traditional church music frequently revolves around established artists and trained musicians.

Organists and Pianists: A Case Study

Organists, in particular, face unique challenges. Young people often lack access to organs, and many are not trained to play them well, leading to a scarcity of organists. This shortage results in more pianists taking up the role, often to the detriment of the instrument's true potential. On the other hand, some older organists take early retirement positions and can remain in them due to the rarity of successors.

Contemporary Worship Groups vs. Traditional Organ-Based Worship

Churches that adopt contemporary worship groups often have a younger demographic due to the more contemporary and accessible music, which is often more rhythmical and fun. These groups require a more diverse set of musicians to cover various aspects of the music, whereas an organist is typically a one-person orchestra. Younger people are more likely to interact with peers, drawing from their social circles, which can be different from the more established social circles of older individuals.

The Role of Social Interaction and Corporate Worship

Younger people often prioritize individuality and expression over conformity, whereas traditional church music values corporate unity and propriety. This can result in a shift in focus among younger musicians towards more contemporary styles that cater to individualistic expression. Conversely, traditional church music may struggle to attract younger people due to its more rigid structure and less engaging format.

Challenges and Solutions

Both older and younger musicians face challenges such as music becoming a primary focus, worshiping their instruments, and prioritizing the financial aspects instead of the spiritual. However, a comprehensive and multi-generational approach is key. Churches that recognize the value of all age groups, acknowledging the energy and spirit of the younger generation alongside the time, experience, and financial stability of the older, will thrive.

It's a fine balance. For instance, a church I know invests heavily in a youth-specific program, which requires significant funding. However, the financial sustainability of this program depends largely on the contributions from the older demographic during regular services. If the older population were to dwindle, the youth program could suffer. Therefore, there should be no age delineation in church. It must remain a comprehensive and multi-generational entity.