13 Apr Obedient or Good
Earlier this week, we saw an American treasure. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed a solo concert along with commentary about his life and influences on his music.
In his teens, after studying and playing the cello from the age of four, Ma’s father asked him to do two things: be obedient and a good musician. Ma said, “No, I can’t do that. I have to find my own voice.” (His teacher at Juilliard had recommended the same thing.) Even a world-class musician had to move on from mastering technique and add individual expression.
We concur that mastering technique is the foundation, but not the end game for anyone delivering material; be it speaking words, playing music, or creating fine art. Grind through your rehearsals until the content is clear and organized in your brain. Then add your insights and examples, so that everything is delivered through the filter of your experience. When a Kabuki director was asked why the Japanese people returned for centuries to see the same plays, he said, “Because they want to see how you’d (the current actor) perform the role.”
Like Ma, don’t be obedient and follow outdated rules or methodologies. Own your material and if you haven’t already, find your style and voice. There’s no better way to be engaging and memorable.
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