The ultimate part-time musician

I found this article in the news and wanted to share it as a point of inspiration.

Pope Benedict is releasing an album on which he will sing litanies and chants, among other material, backed by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. As singing is not his primary occupation, Pope Benedict could be considered the ultimate part-time musician!

Most musicians talk about the “gift of music”, but we are sometimes hesitant to share it with others. I’m certain that Pope Benedict is a fine singer, but lacking the training of professional vocalists, isn’t of that level…and yet he is sharing his musical gifts with any who wish to hear them. Why are we so reluctant to do so?

Of course there are better performers than you…than I…than anyone. Even the best currently among us might be compared unfavorably with a great performer of history. But only you can bring what you would to a performance – large or small. Don’t hide your gift! Share it, and make the world a bit richer in the process.

Keep playing (or singing!),
Mark