Public domain image from Pixabay

Music is a type of art that connects straight to the heart for me; something that all art should do. The musician interprets the markings on a page (and spaces in-between) and connects with the hearts of the listeners. Cellist Yo Yo Ma is one such musician.

I want to photograph what I see the way Yo Yo Ma plays his cello. 

Recently, I watched the video below – a conversation between Yo Yo Ma and Damion Woetzel, director of at the Aspen Institute on the topic of “Art for Life’s Sake.” Yo Yo Ma was artist-in-residence for the Aspen Institute in 2013, yet his work for this organization was not so much about being in residence as being out in the world, especially in schools. Here is what he says about being a “citizen artist.”

“I think Citizen Artists engage their communities by asking, ‘What is the largest challenge facing my neighborhood, city or country?’ and ‘How can I, as an artist, contribute to a solution?’” ~ Yo Yo Ma

Yo Yo Ma is a true ambassador for music, education, and art for life’s sake. 

I recommend watching the entire (one hour) video if you have the time. Below are a few of my takeaways.

* Yo Yo Ma described how he became the most famous cellist in the world. It was by accident and through hard work.

He wanted to play the bass in school, but compromised with his parents on the cello. Receiving praise for his playing kept him going. Yo Yo Ma put in his 10,000 hours of practice and became very, very good. His love for music grew. But, he still wasn’t sure if playing music would be his life’s work. He realized that what he loves most is people. Music affords him the opportunity to travel the world and meet lots of people.

* One goal of the arts program at the Aspen Institute is to reconsider the value of the arts in schools. They want to move from Stem (science, technology, engineering, math) to Steam – STEM + Arts = STEAM.

The arts are less testable; less measurable. Yet, in today’s world we need people who have collaborative skills, are flexible in their thinking, and who bring imagination to innovation – exactly what the arts teach.

* Artistic habits of mind involve having the same methodology (goal, vision, value) in everything you do. You keep addressing it, there’s always more, always a higher goal to achieve. You keep evolving, moving towards that grand vision, with everything you do in life.

And finally, this. Yo Yo Ma says,

“You were given a particular voice. Know it. Use it. And, most importantly, own it.” 

See also: Sally G – Let it Shine.