SINGING THE PRAISES OF MUSIC

Young musicians share their thought

GEORGE CLEMENTS, MICHELLE ARMSTRONG LAURIA

BY GEORGE CLEMENTS

ABOUT SIX YEARS ago, I began writing songs as a means of self-expression. Songwriting combines two mediums of communication that I love, music and poetry. The goal of any song I write is to express and communicate something honest and true.

For me, songs are sacred. What appeals to me most about songwriting as an art form is that a great song is able to communicate a big idea in a small amount of time. By infusing words with melody and rhythm, songs have the ability to touch the heart and engage the intellect simultaneously.

"By infusing words with melody and rhythm, songs have the ability to touch the heart and engage the intellect simultaneously."

— George Clements

I believe that spirituality and art are connected at a fundamental level. Spirituality is all about growing in self-knowledge, "putting off the old man"(see Eph. 4:22-24) and growing into higher conceptions of one's self. About gaining higher perspectives about life and learning from individual experience.

The songs I write all reflect personal spiritual growth, and attempt to create a connection with others. I believe there are complexities and differences between people, but every human being has the same access to spiritual elements. There's a unity of experience among men and women, and this is what I try to express through my art form.

One of the biggest things for me is getting ego out of the way. As Mary Baker Eddy wrote in Science and Health: "Mortals are egotists. They believe themselves to be independent workers, personal authors, and even privileged originators of something which Deity would not or could not create. The creations of mortal mind are material. Immortal spiritual man alone represents the truth of creation" (p. 263). To me, music is all about listening. And so is spirituality. It's about trying to listen for that right idea, right word, right melody line. It's about getting my limited human sense of things out of the way and tapping into the wisdom of divine Mind. That way, art isn't saturated in personality.

I always try to remember that my job as an artist and musician is to play my music as God's reflection, to have the purest intentions and motives, and to share what I've learned with the world. |CSS

George Clements is from Massachusetts, but currently lives in New York City with his brother Charles, where he teaches, writes, and performs music.

BY MICHELLE ARMSTRONG LAURIA

I WAS TAUGHT from an early age that my musical talent comes from God, that He is the provider of this gift. I've always loved to read and reread an article from the Christian Science Sentinel called "You have many talents" by Ellen Jane Barndollar, and I love this sentence in it: "Human talents are derived from God, divine Mind, and when we learn to listen for God's guidance, we'll find ways to uncover and develop them" (February 8,1975).

Knowing that music is God's creation removes a false sense of responsibility I may feel toward making career decisions in the music industry. When I listen to God, He delivers the ideas for my music and the right places to perform. In this way, it's never myself who chooses the path or the location where I'll be heard. A quote from Science and Health reminds me of God's promise, "Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear" (p. 506). Daily, I remind myself to "let go and let God sing" as He guides me through my journey.

"When I listen to God, He will deliver the ideas for my music and the right places to perform."

— Michelle Armstrong Lauria

One challenge that comes up often, as a singer/songwriter, is the infrequency of work. At times, I have felt competitive and fearful that another musician could take my place or opportunity. It helps to remember that this is only mortal, limited thinking trying to make me feel unworthy and fruitless. The Bible says, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (I Cor. 12:7). To me, this means that every man and woman, all God's children, are given qualities of divine Soul in order to progress, so they don't have to feel ineffectual or deprived of employment. Knowing and trusting we're all provided for, not only helps me move forward, but it gives me the assurance that all artists have a place to create and prosper.

I believe we must understand the value of the God-derived talents we're given and the necessity of using them to heal and bless. When we know God is expressed through our talents, we can let go of any personal, prideful feelings and bear witness to good.

It's clear to me that music is intended to provide joy and inspiration. Often, when I listen to divine Mind, I'm given the perfect melody, words, chords, and voice. Studying Christian Science has brought continuous blessings to my life, and I'm delighted to voice my gratitude for spiritual growth through music. |CSS

Michelle Armstrong Lauria is a singer/songwriter who lives in New York City.

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