I’m very much grateful to God for enabling me to learn how to play the piano.
I started playing a few chords when I was 15 years old. That was when my father accepted the pastorate at Ajuy Baptist Church, Iloilo, Philippines, in the summer of 1983.
School was out, and I mainly stayed in the parsonage as a new kid in town. To keep myself busy, I transposed the guitar chords to piano format.
The following weekend, the choir leader requested me to play the piano because there would be a power blackout on Sunday. The song was “Sapagkat ang Diyos ay Pag-ibig” (Because God is Love), a popular Tagalog praise (papuri) song.
Learning to play better was a struggle because I never had a piano or electronic keyboard.
I improved my skills through the church’s piano at Ajuy Baptist Church and Sambag Baptist Church when I was in Iloilo City.
I went to Johnson Hall of Central Philippine University during my school days. I would ask permission from Manay Esther Teves to play the old piano at the chapel.
Later, I befriended Manang Cande, who holds the piano key at the Rose Memorial Hall. She allowed me to play whenever the hall was closed and not in use.
I also learned through tips from pastors — the late Pastor Joy Lopez (later Valdez) and Rev. Jireh John Francia, who worked as pastors of Ajuy Baptist Church during my young years, influenced my playing style. There wasn’t a formal tutorial; I observed and asked questions. 🙂
The person who has influenced my piano playing a lot is Nelson del Castillo. He is a singer-composer who mostly plays by ear and improvises. I attribute the ragged time feel in playing my first Ilonggo composition, “Mag-Amba sang Pagdayaw,” to his influence.
Just like any young person, I was fascinated by rock music. The allure of joining a rock band and performing gigs was irresistible.
Two factors kept me from joining: first, I didn’t have an instrument to use, and second, I was concerned about the band members’ smoking, drinking, and possible drug use.
I can’t read musical notes; I play by chords and ear. Over time, I learned to enhance and embellish or improvise the music I play.
Looking back, I observed that my piano-playing skills improved greatly when I focused on playing church music, like hymns and contemporary Christian songs. I submitted my musical ability to His ministry.
God inspires me to write songs. Composing “Mag-amba sang Pagdayaw” and many songs then boosted my confidence and conviction to play for the glory of God.
What great joy and thanksgiving to God for His generosity in giving me the talent to play His music as long as I live.
Are you a newbie and struggling to master a musical skill? Why not ask God to empower you?
Give more attention to how the Lord God Almighty will use you to bless other people rather than focusing on your popularity.
Pray for divine inspiration; you’ll be amazed by the talent God brings to light within you.
Wow, what a powerful article. Thank you for sharing this testimony, and moreover thank God for His awesome inspiration. I am a musician and I need the inspiration of God desperately because I find myself so detached from the Father when playing rather than being drawn into His presence. I don’t want it to be that way. I want to play to Him and for Him. God bless you sir!
It’s so easy to get sidetracked from our real and ultimate inspiration. It seems the temptation to gain self credit for a good talent or performance is always there. When that thought crosses my mind, I always pray and remind myself that my talent is gift from God and I’m playing for His glory alone. Praying for you and may the Lord God Almighty use you strongly in His service. Thank you for the comment.