“Sowing the Sounds of Music” Liahona, July 2025.
Latter-day Saint Voices
Sowing the Sounds of Music
We can all look for ways to share our God-given gifts and talents, lifting where we stand.
Illustration by David Malan/Malan Creative
I have always wanted to play in the Orchestra at Temple Square, the orchestra of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I play the clarinet and have a degree in music, but it’s unlikely I will ever get the opportunity.
After all, I live in New Zealand.
The Holy Ghost reminds me, however, that I can “be content” (Alma 29:3) as a musical pioneer for the Church in New Zealand and other areas. My first calling at age 18 was as music leader in the nursery. Since then, I have been blessed to direct and produce stake and ward musical productions, as well as play the piano in Primary. I have shared music across New Zealand and in the Philippines. I have sung a duet at the Provo Missionary Training Center.
Music has kept me in the Church throughout a difficult battle with anxiety and depression. When I felt I couldn’t do anything else, I knew I could say yes to helping with music. Music helps me see the world through spiritual eyes.
I get to create music with my wife and three children. Together, we have performed in the ward, created a musical contribution for a missionary broadcast in the Auckland New Zealand Mission, and sung for an online stake conference. I know how the word of God, through Church hymns, invites the Holy Ghost and can touch hearts in our families and wards.
I continue to love the Orchestra at Temple Square from afar, but I know we are blessed when we seek opportunities to serve and praise the Lord wherever we are and in whatever way we can (see Psalm 150:6). I am grateful we can share our testimonies through our gifts and talents, including music. We are blessed, and we bless others, as we share those gifts and talents with God’s children and “lift where we stand.”