Q&A Home > M > Music/Music Notes

• A group in our church took advantage of Abouna's limited knowledge of the American culture, and got his consent to sing a gospel Rap on New year's Eve. Is that allowed?
• Although musical instruments are mentioned in the Holy Book of Psalm 150 and the Holy Book of Rev 5:8, it is often said that musical instruments are not to be used in the New Testament. Is this restricted to liturgical worship or does it cover sermons and presentations as well. I see that instruments are used in the Cathedral before His Holiness Wednesday's lecture.
• Besides the fact that it is not traditional, what is it wrong about playing the familiar American music called "Here Comes the Bride" either as a song or just music while the bride and groom enter the church for their a wedding ceremony? 
• I know a lot of the music and media out there is spiritually harmful; but is listening to Classical music inappropriate or wrong for Christians?
• Is Contemporary Christian Music alright to listen to? I like this music, but I don't want to do what is wrong. I would not want that music be used in church; but is it bad outside of church?
• Is music sin? What makes music sin if we use it for positive purposes like not for an individual person for country, kids, love?
• My mother taught all her children to read music, and that's the only way I have ever known to learn music. I can not "hear" it (albeit in my head) otherwise. I am trying to aggressively enter more fully into the life of the Church by learning all the hymns I can, but the job is hideously difficult for me since I can not find the music. The hymn books I have seen only have the lyrics, not the music. One of the deacons in the parish tells me that a British scholar (Ernest Newfoundland) notated Coptic hymns with the five-lines-four-spaces "standard" Western music notation. I found that there have been some other musicologists who have copied down the music, but are there works available where I can read the music for all these hymns? The deacon thought they were "out there." Does anyone have information about where lies the musical score(s) I am seeking?
• What is your perspective on Christian music?