Music
Music can have an impact on the mind and spirit. Positive, uplifting music can bring feelings of happiness and peace. The hymns of the Church are a key part of worship and invite the Spirit of the Lord. In contrast, unwholesome, negative music can encourage inappropriate thoughts and behavior. As with other forms of media, Church members are encouraged to be careful in their choice of music.
Overview
Those who have listened to music understand well the impact it can have on the mind and spirit. Positive, uplifting music can bring feelings of happiness and peace. The hymns of the Church are a key part of worship and invite the Spirit of the Lord. They can be especially helpful in controlling one’s thoughts. In contrast, unwholesome, negative music can encourage inappropriate thoughts and behavior. As with other forms of media, Church members are encouraged to be careful in their choice of music.
For the Strength of Youth, a Church publication for young men and young women, contains the following universally applicable counsel concerning music:
“Music can enrich your life. It can edify and inspire you and help you draw closer to Heavenly Father. Music has a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and behavior.
“Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Some music can carry evil and destructive messages. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or glorifies violence through its lyrics, beat, or intensity. Do not listen to music that uses vulgar or offensive language or promotes evil practices. Such music can dull your spiritual sensitivity” (“Music and Dancing,” 22).
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Where Music Leads”
“Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted”
“Jenny Oaks Baker Shares Testimony”
“The Song of the Heart”
Learning Resources
General Resources
“Music,” Handbook 2, 14
“Music and Dancing,” For the Strength of Youth
“Using Objects, Pictures, and Sacred Music,” Teaching the Gospel: A CES Training Resource for Teaching Improvement, chapter 35
“Music Quotes,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Church Magazines
Alison L. Randall, “Christmas in Paris,” New Era, December 2016
Sabrina de Sousa Teixeira, “Music in My Life,” New Era, July 2015
Marissa Widdison, “Helpful Music Resources,” Ensign, July 2015
“Let Your Music Speak,” New Era, February 2014
“Teaching For the Strength of Youth: Music and Dancing,” Ensign, September 2013
Mindy Raye Friedman, “The Power of Music,” New Era, March 2012
“Blessing Our Lives and Homes with Sacred Music,” Ensign, July 2001
Tamara Leatham Bailey, “FYI: For Your Info,” New Era, May 1994
Lex de Azevedo, “A Closer Look at Popular Music,” Ensign, March 1985
Jack R. Christianson, “Music: Apples or Onions?” New Era, April 1984
Study Manuals
In the News
“Cultural Event Celebrates Church’s Latin American Heritage,” Newsroom
“Worldwide Church Leaders Share Messages of Hope at First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional,” Newsroom
“Latter-day Saints, Baptists Worship Together at Christmas Jubilee,” Newsroom
“Christmas and the Musical Works of George Frideric Handel,” Newsroom
“Seven Cities Announced for 2016 Tabernacle Choir European Tour,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Music,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
Media
Audio
“Power of Music—Mac Strong & Matt Bardsley,” For the Youth, episode 23