Since I am a devoted Christian I have, on occasion, been asked why my music is categorized by the secular market (and in retail stores like iTunes) as “New Age” music. Other Christians in particular have expressed much concern about this, so I want to take the time to explain why that is. It's important that others, especially the church pastors and ministry organizations that I often work with, understand my position on this.

First, know that I very much dislike having the term "New Age" applied to my music. It’s very distasteful to me, especially when you consider the religious connotations. Unfortunately,"'New Age" is the standard label the music industry has applied to any music that is instrumental in nature, but doesn't fit easily into "Classical," "Jazz," or other categories. Virtually every contemporary piano composer, be it George Winston, Jim Brickman, John Tesh, David Lanz, Yanni or anyone else, is labeled "New Age" in the secular music marketplace. Walk into any record store, and if you want solo piano music (that’s not Classical), you'll have to walk over to the New Age music section. As far as the music industry is concerned, "New Age" is just a musical category - much as Classical, Jazz, Pop, Country, Alternative, Rap, and World Music are categories. It's just a way to delineate one music style from another. Most people in the music industry don't think twice about the religious inferences.

Having said that, what is my religious position?

Here is what I believe: There is one God, creator of all things, who revealed himself to man through his Holy Word (the Bible) and who was made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. It is only through a relationship with the resurrected Christ that we can be reconciled and restored to our creator. Salvation and restoration are available to every man or woman who humbles themselves before God, repents of their sin and puts their faith in the Lord Jesus. John 3:16 says it all. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life." It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved, and not by any work that we do ourselves. That is the faith and foundation on which I stand.

I see my ability to play the piano as a gift from the Lord (view my mission statement). It's my desire, first and foremost, to use that ability to glorify God. When I play, I play for Him. My music reflects my faith, my love for the Bible, and my desire to serve Jesus my King to the best of my ability.

If you see me promoting my solo piano music as "New Age" music to a secular world, it’s simply because that’s the categorization of music people are used to seeing my particular style of music in. Some folks have asked me why I don't just classify my music as "Christian" music? I don't classify my music as "Christian" music in retail stores because when you think of "Christian" music, you don't think of solo piano music. You think of Contemporary Christian Music, Praise and Worship, Gospel Music, but not solo piano. I want my music to be found. When fans of contemporary solo piano music want to find and buy that kind of music, they search under the New Age category. That's just the reality of it, and that's why you'll find my music there too. I want my music to be found.

There is a positive side to placing my music in the New Age music market, however. People who lean toward a New Age way of thinking may become acquainted with my music, and some of those same folks may visit my web site. If they do, and they browse around, they’ll find the Gospel of Jesus Christ shared with them in love. And that’s really the whole point, isn’t it? To speak God’s Word of Hope and Truth, and let the Holy Spirit minister to the hearts of men.

So while I don't like having my music branded as "New Age" music, at least it's in a place where God can use it. God puts each person with a willing heart in the place where He can use them best for His kingdom. So I a grateful to be used by Him, however He chooses to do it.

And, for those who want to know, I attend Calvary Chapel, a Bible-teaching church. I lead our worship time there on a fairly regular basis.

If you have any questions or concerns about my faith, this ministry, or my Christian walk, please feel free to contact me via dnevue@rainmusic.com.

If you are seeking the truth about God, searching for peace of mind about your spiritual life, please consider these thoughts.

Questions? Email David.