Instrumental Music for Christians
Contents
Looking for Christian instrumental music to help you worship and praise God? Check out our top picks for the best Christian instrumental music albums!
Music in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, music is used as a tool to worship God and to praise Him for His goodness. There are many examples of hymns and songs being sung in the Bible, both by individuals and by large groups of people. Music has the ability to touch our hearts and bring us closer to God.
Use of music in the Old Testament
The Bible contains numerous references to music and musical instruments, hymns and songs, demonstrating that music has always been an important part of human religious experience.
There is no record of exactly when or how music began, but the Bible does give us some clues. In the book of Genesis, we read that after creating the world, God declared that His creation was “good.” Then, in Genesis chapter 2, we read that God created man and woman in His own image and likeness.
It’s possible that the first music was created by God Himself as He declared His creation to be “good.” In the book of Psalms, we read that the heavens declare the glory of God and that “day unto day utters speech and night unto night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2). This could be a reference to the music of the celestial bodies as they praise God day and night.
The first definite reference to music in the Bible is found in Genesis 4:21, where we read that Jubal was “the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipe.” Jubal’s brothers were also involved in music; one was a keeper of flocks (Genesis 4:20), while the other was a metalsmith (Genesis 4:22). It’s possible that Jubal’s brothers were also involved in creating musical instruments, but this is not explicitly stated in Scripture.
Jubal’s father, Lamech, was a descendant of Cain (Genesis 4:18), which means that music originated with those who were outside of God’s covenant with Noah and his family. However, we see in subsequent Scripture passages that God continued to use music as a means of worship and communication even after the Flood.
Use of music in the New Testament
The New Testament is silent on the question of instrumental music in worship. There are a few passages that mention singing (e.g., Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), but nothing specifically about the use of instruments. This has led some to conclude that the early church did not use instruments in worship, while others point to the fact that musical instruments are mentioned several times in connection with praise in the Old Testament (e.g., 1 Chron. 16:42; Ps. 150:3-5) and argue that it is likely that they were also used in the New Testament era. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to this question and each individual or congregation will have to decide for themselves whether or not to use instruments in worship.
Different Types of Instrumental Music
There are many types of instrumental music that Christians can enjoy. Some of this music is designed to be used in worship services, while other music is designed for personal enjoyment. There are even some instrumental pieces that are designed to be used in both settings. Whatever the purpose, there is definitely a type of instrumental music out there for everyone.
Solo
Solo instrumental music is characterized by the performance of a piece of music by a single musician. The solo instrumentalist may be accompanied by other musicians, such as a pianist, or they may perform completely unaccompanied.
Solo instrumental music is often used for personal enjoyment, as well as for public performances and in recordings. Many types of instruments can be used to play solo instrumental music, including guitars, keyboards, brass instruments, woodwinds, and strings.
Ensemble
Ensemble music is any type of music written for a group of instruments or voices. The word “ensemble” comes from the French word meaning “together.” Ensemble music can be written for a small group of instruments, such as a duet or trio, or a large group, such as a symphony orchestra or a choir. The word “orchestra” comes from the Greek word meaning “a place for dancing.”
Ensemble music can be classified by the number of musicians and the type of instrument they play. For example, a string quartet is an ensemble made up of four string players, such as two violins, a viola, and a cello. A woodwind quintet is an ensemble made up of five woodwind players, such as flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn. A piano trio is an ensemble made up of piano, violin, and cello.
The most common type of ensemble in Western classical music is the symphony orchestra, which usually consists of between fifty and one hundred musicians. The second most common type of ensemble is the choir, which is usually made up of between twenty and one hundred singers.
Choral
Choral music is a type of vocal music that is written for a group of singers, called a choir. The music is usually written in parts, so that each singer has their own part to sing. Choral music can be secular or religious, and it can be performed by either professional or amateur singers.
The word “choral” comes from the Greek word “khoros,” which means “dance.” This shows how important rhythm is in choral music. The parts are often interwoven, so that the members of the choir have to listen to each other closely to stay together. Choral music often has a lot of harmony, because the different voices make different sounds when they sing together.
One of the most famous groups that performs choral music is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This choir has been performing since 1847, and they have won many awards for their beautiful singing.
Christian Music Today
There are many Christians today who enjoy listening to and playing all different types of music. Music is a God-given talent that can be used to glorify Him and minister to others. There are many different styles of Christian music, from contemporary to rock to rap.
Popular Christian songs
There are many different types of Christian music, ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary pop songs. No matter what your taste in music is, there is likely a Christian song that you will enjoy.
Some of the most popular Christian songs include “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “This Little Light of Mine.” These songs have been performed by many different artists over the years, and they continue to be popular today.
Other popular Christian songs include contemporary pop songs such as “Shine” by Newsboys, “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe, and “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman. These songs are often played on Christian radio stations and are popular with both young and old alike.
If you are looking for something a little different, there are also many instrumental Christian songs available. These songs can be relaxing and provide a nice background for prayer or meditation. Many of these songs are also available on CDs so that you can listen to them whenever you like.
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music (CCM) is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. It has developed over the past sixty years and is today sung in a wide variety of styles by congregations and individuals around the world.
The term “contemporary Christian music” is sometimes used to refer to pop, rock, or hip-hop music with a Christian theme, but the term “CCM” generally denotes a specific musical genre within the broader category of Christian music. CCM is sometimes referred to as “Christian pop”, “cross-over music”, or simply “Christian.”
CCM artists include Switchfoot, TobyMac, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Mandisa, Building 429, Hillsong United, Casting Crowns, and MercyMe.
Christian Jazz
Christian Jazz is a subgenre of jazz music that is influenced by Christian values and themes. The music typically features elements of traditional jazz, including improvisation, but with lyrics that focus on Christian themes.
Christian Jazz artists include some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, and Ramsey Lewis. Christian Jazz has its roots in the spirituals and hymns of the African-American church tradition. In the 1950s and 1960s, artists like Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson began experimenting with jazz to create new sounds for religious music.
Today, Christian Jazz is enjoyed by both Christians and non-Christians alike. The music has a wide range of styles, from traditional jazz to contemporary fusion.Whether you’re looking for background music for your next worship service or just want to relax and enjoy some great jazz, there’s sure to be a Christian Jazz artist that you’ll love.
