2. Diligence
careful and persistent work or effort,
from Old French for assiduous: showing great care and perseverence
~ Oxford Dictionary
"For I am the Lord you brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; Thus you shall be holy, for I am holy."
Leviticus 11:45
Have you ever thought about the holiness of God being present in
scales and arpeggios?
Or that his holiness is present in Czerny, Kreutzer, or Popper?
If we think of diligence as holy, then how do we practice?
Ponder a moment:
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Does your gift of holiness enter the practice room?
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Does it enter the rehearsal hall?
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What is underlying your diligence?
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Why are you working so hard, so many hours?
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What or whom is driving you?
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Is your practice time holy?
Diligence is essential in pursuing a musician's life. Musicians know they must be diligent and practice with blood, sweat, and tears.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Scripture Reading:
Read: I Samuel 17
Read this chapter twice. First, read as a historical narrative. Try to get into the scene. Second, read with an open heart to hear God speaking to you personally.
For Discussion
1. What can a musician learn from the story of David and Goliath?
2. What are David’s obstacles?
3. What are my obstacles?
4. What are David’s strengths?
5. What are my strengths?
Mind-flash
1. Imagine a nightmare practice session, squeezed for time, then late for a rehearsal for which you feel unprepared, arriving without your bow or mouthpiece or with the wrong music.
2. Imagine a super-focused productive practice session,
a rehearsal where you are spot-on.
Diligence Etudes
Ponder a moment:
"I know perfectly well that no musician can make his thoughts or his talents different to what Heaven has made them; but I also know that if Heaven had given him good ones, he must also be able to develop them properly."
Felix Mendelssohn
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Remember: Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you are holy. He has gifted you and his grace to you is sufficient.
Diligence Exercises
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Begin and end your practice with acknowledgment of the Presence of God.
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Plan your practice time before you start.
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Keep it fresh, implement different strategies.
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Measure your progress, short-term and long-term.