Religious objections to Amazing Grace
Found in: Accompaniment, Foundation Songs
Corinne S., Georgia
Any suggestions on how to approach Amazing Grace being religiously offensive to a family? They are Jewish. AG is such a key component of the program, especially in Accompaniment 1. The mother of my new student is fine with him playing it, but politely insisted they would not be singing those words.
My only thought is to have him write his own lyrics. Any other suggestions?
Karen D., Canada
I am using Happy Birthday instead of Amazing Grace for one of my students who is Jewish and whose parents won’t permit her to learn AG. It has worked out very well. We haven’t started Accompaniment 1 yet, but I plan on sticking with Happy Birthday for it. I’ve had other Jewish students in the past who were fine with playing AG.
Cate R., Australia
What about using Auld Lang Syne in Acocmpaniment 1?
Sue L., California
I changed the words to “Amazing Grapes” for a young Jewish student.
Leeanne I., Australia
Yes, change the lyrics.
Kerry V., Australia
I have them use their own words. It is the learning of the chords that is important.
Mark M., New York
With a family who actively voiced a religious objection to a piece, I’m not sure I’d know how to have a conversation to actively try to get them to believe something else. I’d probably completely validate their feelings, let them know that we can change the lyrics, and even change the song if truly necessary. And if I felt it appropriate, if I felt them open at least to hearing my own story, I might share with them some of that, just to plant the seed of openness. And I might not. If I did, I’d then go right back to affirming that I would accommodate them.
Maureen K., California
If something offends, it is easy to find other songs with I IV V chords to substitute. Elizabeth Gaikwad’s Songs for Children and Songs for Everyone would be good sources.
Heidi M., Canada
I would probably appeal to the fact that the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) have some very lovely references to the concept of grace, referring to goodness and beauty and power and favor from God. I would imagine any devout Jew would like that idea. So I would suggest they can think about that when playing the song.
Joy O., Alabama
Since the mom objected on religious grounds, I would definitely want to respect her preferences. Looks like there are lots of suggestions for other songs to replace Amazing Grace. I always play AG as one of the demo songs in my Free Introductory Session, so I would expect that a family that had trouble with it would recognize that right away. It’s great that mom was comfortable enough to tell you and not just quit.
Lynn S., Illinois
The essence is learning the chords, not focusing on the words. It would be easier for a non-religious song to be used.