The Rebbe's Advice #983 -Secular Music...

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel & Rebbetzin Rivkah Holtzberg HYD - Shluchim to Mumbai, India*

You write that you desire starting a music school. Although generally it’s a good idea, yet there are concerns.

Your past albums show your involvement in secular music which isn’t acceptable according to Torah. Therefore to get frum educators to support your school will require re-educating them about your new lifestyle and venture.

The Torah advises one to use every opportunity for the sake of G-d. Therefore your idea is proper. However the way to best implement it would be by having an expert in this field, recognized by the frum Jewish community, direct your new music school.

Music in general has a mundane component to it in that it encourages independence including listening to your animal drive and breaking rules and regulations. This on one hand calls for a kosher music school as you desire making. Conversely, you’ll need to prove to Torah educators and principals that your music is different; it’s kosher and won’t cause more youth rebellion from Torah and mitzvos. More importantly, you’ll need to persuade them that your music won’t cause the students to walk away with the attitude that everything is permissible, try everything, use your independence and make your own decisions.

Concerts arranged, several times a year, by promoters who are Torah observant are fine. However, a music school is a whole other question as mentioned earlier. Recordings with a kosher theme and kosher songs are fine.

p. 259-260 Igros Kodesh Volume 29

*As a practical matter, since each person’s circumstances are always different, one must use the guidance above as general instruction. The exact application at any given time must be discussed with a competent rabbi, or/and a counselor of Torah, a Mashpia.