As a child, you respond physically, tactically. You're delighted by sound, you're delighted by recognizing something. It's like hide and seek. Is it there? Is it not there? Is it this note? Is it not this note? It's one fantastic game.
Yo-Yo MaRead
I think one of the great things about being a musician is that you never stop learning.
Interpretation
Musicians constantly grow and evolve through their experiences and learning processes.
Yo-Yo Ma emphasizes the lifelong journey of growth and education that comes with being a musician. This perspective highlights that the learning process is never complete; instead, it is an ongoing exploration where every experience and performance contributes to a musician's development and understanding of their art.
In practice
In a speech at a music festival, you could say this quote to inspire young musicians.
As a child, you respond physically, tactically. You're delighted by sound, you're delighted by recognizing something. It's like hide and seek. Is it there? Is it not there? Is it this note? Is it not this note? It's one fantastic game.
There's a part of me that's always charging ahead. I'm the curious kid, always going to the edge.
I think that peace is, in many ways, a precondition of joy.
I think anybody who goes away finds you appreciate home more when you return.
When we enlarge our view of the world, we deepen our understanding of our own lives.
I learn something not because I have to, but because I really want to. That's the same view I have for performing. I'm performing because I really want to, not because I have to bring bread back home.
Starting a band is the easy part. Once you've formed the band, you have to tell a story, and that story requires songs. And not just good songs, but great songs. After a while, great songs won't do - they have to be the best. Success doesn't make it any easier. Each time I start a new record, it's a brand-new search.
I have sung for Americans of every political persuasion, and I am proud that I never refuse to sing to an audience, no matter what religion or color of their skin, or situation in life.
Jazz took too much discipline. You have to come in at the right place, which is different than me singing the blues, where I can sing, 'Oh, baby,' if there's a pause in the melody. With jazz, you better leave that space open, or put in something real cool.
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.
To jazz, or not to jazz, there is no question!
I spent 15 minutes writing Stand By Your Man, and a lifetime defending it.
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