It is hard to ignore the changes taking place in the music industry. The reason for the change is that unfortunately, the value of recorded music is going down. This decline began when the technology became available to share and purchase music digitally. As a result, artists are not making as much money from record sales anymore.

These changes have not only affected artists that are signed to record labels, independent artists like myself have been affected as well. Artists can still make quite a bit of money with their music, but like every other industry filled with competitors all clamoring for position at the top, this tends to be the exception.

These days, much of the income earned by artists comes from live performances. Signed artists still do well with this arrangement, as record labels have the resources to promote their artists well. However, independent artists are always seeking for creative ways to earn income. Some sell merchandise to promote their brand like hats and T-shirts. Some of them make instructional videos and sell them to subscribers. I have even heard of artists giving private home concerts. In fact, it is becoming quite common for artists to do this. I have never given a home concert before, but about two months ago I came very close to it.

One afternoon I got a call from a friend to ask me if I would come with him to visit a sick man at his home. He reminded me that this man had been very instrumental in bringing me to his church for a concert. I did not remember him, but since I am always looking for an opportunity to minister to people directly rather than just through my music, I decided to go. Since I did not know him, I was not sure what to expect. I hoped that he would not ask me if I remembered him, because I did not want to let him know that I didn’t. To my relief, he didn’t ask. We sat in his living room and he began to tell me about his life, all the many adventures that he had and the many businesses that he had started. He told me that there was an old upright piano to my right and asked me if I wouldn’t mind playing a few songs. Since he had just finished telling me about the wonderful life that he had lived I decided that I would play great is thy faithfulness and tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. While I was singing, it dawned on me that he never once complained about his illness. Oh, and by the way I forgot to mention that his illness is terminal. When I finished he began to talk about the sacrifice that Jesus made for him and how much he appreciated his sacrifice. I could hear the tears in his voice, he was crying. I would like to stay healthy for as long as I can and I would not like to suffer from a terminal illness. However, if I were to ever come down with a terminal illness, I would like to have the same perspective as this gentleman.

What impressed me the most about this experience is that in addition to not complaining he focused on Jesus and the cross and the wonderful blessings that are poured out upon those who believe in Christ. He talked of heaven and what it will be like to see Jesus for the first time. He thanked me for coming and expressed his appreciation from the bottom of his heart for the music I shared with him. My purpose for visiting him was to bring him encouragement, but he encouraged me. It is so easy when things are not going our way to focus on ourselves and to become despondent. I was reminded that in spite of my challenges, I have much to be thankful for. I did not expect to be compensated for my time, but I was compensated: Not with money, but with one of life’s most valuable lessons. It’s not like I never understood the value of thankfulness, but we all could use a strong reminder once in a while.

Since home concerts are becoming quite common these days, have you ever been to one? Have you ever hosted one at your home? I must admit that the thought of doing a home concert still seems a little strange to me, but I would be open to doing one if given the opportunity. What do you think?