In a captivating account, a former mission president shares his experience of guiding a group of musically inclined missionaries towards a more thoughtful and appropriate approach to piano accompaniment. Through the expertise of a renowned pianist, these young servants of the Lord learned invaluable lessons about the power of simplicity and authenticity in their musical and spiritual endeavors.

Elevating the Missionary Music Experience

Reining in the Keyboard Improvisation

As the former president of the Arizona Phoenix Mission, the author encountered a common issue among his musically talented missionaries – a tendency to embellish and improvise beyond the written sheet music. Rather than allowing the sustained notes and chords to linger, some missionaries would fill the space with keyboard freelancing and extemporaneous arpeggios, often sounding awkward and distracting. Recognizing the need to refocus their efforts on appropriate accompaniment, particularly in missionary conferences and church settings, the author sought the help of a skilled pianist who could counsel and guide these young musicians.

Introducing the Talented William Joseph

Expecting an experienced, grandmotherly piano teacher, the author was pleasantly surprised when a stake president referred him to a 30-something pianist, performer, and recording artist named William Joseph. Attendees of the 2024 Utah Area YSA Conference would later remember Joseph as a featured performer, and the author himself had acquired Joseph's CD of hymn arrangements titled "Be Still."

A Transformative Training Session

The author invited Joseph to lead a specialized training meeting for the missionaries with interests or skills in music and piano accompaniment. The session began with a local member teaching chorister techniques, followed by Joseph's captivating performance. Showcasing his signature flair, flourishes, and showmanship, Joseph's rendition of "Called To Serve" left the missionaries both enthused and awestruck. However, the author recognized that this approach could further encourage the missionaries' tendency to overperform, rather than address the issue at hand.

Striking a Harmonious Balance

As planned, the author then asked Joseph to "take it down a notch," and the pianist responded by transitioning into a soft, gentle, and simple version of the beloved hymn "Come Thou Fount." The contrast was striking, and the emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable listening experience that followed left a lasting impact on the missionaries. Joseph then spent the next hour sharing valuable insights on playing, accompanying, and arranging, emphasizing the importance of tones, nuances, and conveying the true spirit of the music.

Applying the Lessons to Gospel Teaching

Recognizing the parallels between musical accompaniment and gospel teaching, the author challenged the missionaries to apply the principles they had learned. Just as one does not need to showcase all their knowledge or overwhelm with excessive details when playing the piano, the same principle applies to teaching the gospel. The message, presented in a pure and simple manner, should be the focus, not the messenger's delivery or performance.

Echoes of a Timeless Counsel

The author's experience with William Joseph and the missionaries resonated with the recent counsel given by President Henry B. Eyring in the October 2024 general conference. Encouraging Latter-day Saints to teach simply, President Eyring emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation or interpretation and allowing the Holy Ghost to reveal the spirit of truth. Just as the melody of truth, accompanied by a sincere testimony, can bring a powerful spirit of revelation, the author's missionaries learned that the same principle applies to both music and gospel teaching.