I visit residents at a religious Jewish Home for the Aged. A counselor there, hearing that I was an accomplished musician and hearing me play for the residents, encouraged me to come play for the residents during Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, telling me that the Home obtained a Heter from a Rav to do so. I replied that I certainly respect that Rav, and I can see the therapeutic benefit of doing so. However, some time ago, after learning that a Cheirem was pronounced against playing the organ in Shul (over a century ago), I took upon myself the Chumra of never even bringing my instrument into the sanctuary of a Shul. Is my insistence at not playing for these elderly in the Shul during davening in place, or is this an Atzas HaYeitzer and I should set aside my Chumra in this instance?

Instrumental music was historically an essential part of the services in the Beis Hamikdosh. Musical instruments also played traditionally a very important role in other areas of our Torah. They were used to enhance and beautify Semachos and prayers. They were also used by the Prophets to put them in the correct frame of mind to receive prophecy. However, as you mentioned times have changed and it is different in our days. Some Poskim are more stringent (Chasam Sofer 6: 86 etc.). Some Poskim permit playing instruments during a Bris Mila celebration in shul. (Yalkut Yosef – Mila 11:5, Sovea Smochos 2: 92.). Others allow also during a Hachnosas Sefer Torah, Simchas Beis Hashoeva and similar. (Minchas Reuben p. 215 and others – see also Melamed Lehoil 1: 16 – p. 46). Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for a good purpose such as benefiting the elderly in a religious Jewish Home for the Aged, could be permitted. But it should be controlled by a competent local Rov.