Yo Yo Ma is a world renowned musician who has dedicated his life to becoming a better performer. At the age of seven he was asked to perform for the Kennedys along with his sister, who was also a prodigy. He went through Harvard and Julliard as a teen and has continued to become one of the most celebrated and finest cellists in the world. With these accomplishments under his belt, some could argue that he has the right to be pretentious and rude; however, "his personal warmth and generosity inform his playing, making every performance a richly human interaction with his listeners." He also finds joy in his playing. Instead of a very stern, serious man, he expresses his passion freely. "There was Ma, sitting in the back row of the orchestra's cello section, playing along and grinning like a kid who'd just slipped past the guards at the ballpark and positioned himself behind third base."
Keila Hamed-Ramos, a BFA Musical Theater student at Millikin University shares the same views as Yo Yo Ma when it comes to personal views in the field of the performing arts.
How important is generosity and decency in the field of theater?
Hamed-Ramos: The field [of theater] is very small and because of that what goes around comes around. You don't want to have a bad name. You can't burn any bridges because if you [do] it will affect your demand. So you have to be a nice, wholesome, generous person and [must be] easy to work with in order to get a job.
How do you find theater enjoyable?
Hamed:-Ramos: I love feeling electric. I love giving people the gift of what I find so enthralling. I love being able to affect people with a message causing them to think and little by little with each audience member we can make a difference. I love to be a part of that beauty.
Do you have to be successful in order to be happy?
Hamed-Ramos: If you define success as doing what you love, then yes. If success comes in the definition of money and fame, then no.
Both agree that generosity will get you far and that it is important to enjoy what you do, while still working hard to get to a professional level. These artists affect others through what they do and realize that it can make a positive impact, therefore displaying their joy to their audience members. Being a talented diva will only get you so far. To succeed, one must put forth all of their talent, joy and benevolence.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/35_Who_Made_a_Difference_Yo-Yo_Ma.html
