Lessons on Greatness from Yo-Yo Ma's Performance
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Chapter 1: The Joy of Music
This past weekend, my family and several hundred other attendees gathered at Tanglewood to witness Yo-Yo Ma perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was rehearsing Sir Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor and Claude Debussy’s La Mer. The stage was filled with an array of talented musicians, but Yo-Yo Ma truly stood out.
Not only did I find the music captivating, but I also gained insights from his performance. His approach to the cello offers valuable lessons that can inspire greatness in all of us.
Section 1.1: The Enthusiasm of a Maestro
Yo-Yo Ma took the stage with a warm smile, greeting familiar faces with enthusiasm that was palpable. It was clear that playing the cello was more than just a job for him; it was a passion.
Lesson #1: Embrace the joy in your work, even when aspects of it may not be enjoyable.
In a humorous moment, he mistakenly played a wrong note due to a misunderstanding with the conductor. He quickly covered his mouth as if to say the error was his, not the cello’s, prompting laughter from everyone present. Afterward, he engaged with the director to clarify.
Lesson #2: Own your mistakes and take corrective action. It's essential for growth.
Section 1.2: The Power of Presence
While the other musicians displayed a focused professionalism, Yo-Yo Ma's expressions were a whirlwind of emotion. Whether it was the intensity of the music or his own feelings, he radiated joy and, at times, appeared on the verge of tears. During a particularly challenging segment, he was so engrossed that his tongue poked out in concentration.
Lesson #3: Be fully engaged in your endeavors. Invest your entire self into the task at hand, even during rehearsals.
Conclusion
If you get the opportunity to hear Yo-Yo Ma perform, seize it. His talent is extraordinary. More importantly, observe his process; there are profound lessons about excellence to be learned.
From watching him rehearse, I gleaned three key insights:
- Take pleasure in your profession. Consider how fortunate you are to be paid for doing something you love.
- Prepare meticulously for your tasks. Accept that mistakes will occur, and when they do, acknowledge them and learn from the experience.
- Pour your heart into whatever you undertake. Don’t treat preparation as secondary—invest the same passion into practice as you would in a performance.
By embodying these principles, you may find someone watching you in the future, eager to learn what makes you exceptional.
Explore Yo-Yo Ma's insights on perspective, passion, and problem-solving in this engaging video.
Hear Yo-Yo Ma's advice on achieving mastery through incremental learning in this inspiring talk.