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
Mastering music is more than learning technical skills. Practicing is about quality, not quantity. Some days I practice for hours; other days it will be just a few minutes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mastering music requires quality practice over mere quantity and acknowledges the varying nature of practice.
Yo-Yo Ma emphasizes that true mastery in music is not solely based on how long one practices but rather on the quality and intention behind that practice. He reflects on his experiences, noting that some days may require hours of practice, while on others, only a few focused minutes are sufficient to make meaningful progress. This highlights the importance of mindful engagement with one's craft.
Themes
MusicPracticeQualityMasterySkill
In practice
Example use cases
A music teacher can use this quote to encourage their students to focus on the quality of practice during lessons.
More from Yo-Yo Ma
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I think anybody who goes away finds you appreciate home more when you return.
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When we enlarge our view of the world, we deepen our understanding of our own lives.
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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.
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