Musical biofeedback

The musicians are assembled on the stage. One is standing with two concrete
blocks tied to his arms. Another is wearing a helmet fitted with wires
which
are attached to her scalp. The third is pinching two electrically-charged
pennies which are connected by wires to a computer. Sounds that some
identify
as "music" begin to be heard.

This strange sight actually took place in Berlin, Germany earlier this
month,
according to an article today on Yahoo News. The "musicians" are among
those
who are exploring new ways to produce music using their bodies as
instruments.
The concrete blocks produce stress on one's muscles (of course) which in
turn
produces sounds. Marco Donnarumma has learned how to move his muscles in
ways
that produce rhythms. The helmet similarly detects brain waves that change
according to moods; those waves are reprogrammed into musical sounds.

"Musical biofeedback" is the term given to this strange way of producing
music.
The music cannot normally be heard, but with amplification and technical
assistance those sounds are now audible.

I found some videos on YouTube which featured the work of Donnarumma. If
his
work is representative of others in this genre, I believe I'll stick with
bluegrass, smooth jazz or classical. The sounds are intriguing, but they're
not
what I consider music.

For most of the years of my life I've been using my physical body as a
musical
instrument, and I don't need computers or concrete blocks to make it happen.
All I need is a song in my heart, vocal cords in my throat and a tongue to
articulate the sounds that come forth. In fact, this is the way God has
shown
me to offer praise music to Him.

Some are astonished when they visit the church I serve and see no pianos,
organs
or other mechanical instruments. "Don't you believe in music?" they
sometimes
ask. Oh, yes, we believe in music. But instead of using instruments people
have made, we use God-made instruments. And the sound can be wonderful!

Paul wrote to Christians in Ephesus long ago with this instruction: "And do
not
be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).

That phrase "making melody" translates a Greek word that was often used to
speak
of one who "plucked" the strings of an instrument (such as a harp). But the
instrument Paul had in mind is specified - "in your heart". In fact,
singing is
the music specified for Christians throughout the New Testament (though
instruments were used in God's previous covenant with Israel).

This is actually a delightful arrangement, for it means I can offer music of
praise anywhere, anytime. James observed that fact, too: "Is anyone among
you
suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms" (James
5:13). Thus, I take my musical instruments with me everywhere I go. When
the
mood hits, I employ my heart and my voice in singing praises to God!

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in
spirit
and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these
ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall