Yumi Kendall, Assistant Principal Cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, discusses classical music's impact on human flourishing and transcendence, motherhood's influence on her life, the Suzuki Method, Waldorf Education, defining talent, characteristics of creative musicians, tiers of transcendence, and the importance of self-compassion.
Self-compassion is crucial for personal and professional growth in the music industry.
Motherhood enriches one's life with purpose and emotional depth, influencing artistic pursuits.
Transcendent musical experiences deepen the connection to music and reflect personal growth journeys.
Rest, reflection, and self-care are essential for fostering creativity and resilience in artistic pursuits.
Positive psychology principles can enhance arts organizations' effectiveness and delivery of public good.
Deep dives
Cultivating Healthy Organizations in the Arts
Focusing on strengthening arts organizations is crucial for effective delivery of public good. This stems from a personal experience during the Philadelphia Orchestra's chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to a search for solutions in business literature. The nexus between positive psychology, particularly from the program at Penn, and arts organizations became apparent. The goal is to integrate positive psychology principles in arts organizations to enhance effectiveness.
The Transformative Journey of Parenthood
Becoming a parent has been humbling and rewarding, enriching one's sense of purpose and meaning. Balancing the demands of practicing music and caring for a child presents challenges, especially as the child mirrors the parent's behavior, like starting cello lessons due to parental influence. The experience deepens the understanding of personal 'whys' and adds layers of emotional depth to life.
Transcendence Through Performance and Personal Growth
Performing in an orchestra offers moments of transcendent experience, creating a deep sense of connection to music and the audience. Tears of transcendence during performances reflect personal and emotional journeys, intertwining past experiences with current emotions. Striving for excellence in music is a continual process, where growth, reflection, and self-compassion play essential roles in personal and professional development.
Impact of Sleep on Growth and Development
Drawing parallels between the need for sleep in physiological growth and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of rest, reflection, and self-care in fostering creativity and resilience. The seasonal aspect of nature's cycles serves as a metaphor for pausing, recharging, and embracing downtime to fuel one's creative and developmental processes.
Personal Interactions with Authors and Application to Music Industry
Engagement with prominent authors like Dan Pink and Adam Grant, exploring the intersection of organizational psychology, music, and positive psychology. Seeking applications of their research to the classical music industry in enhancing organizational health and effectiveness. The journey from seeking insights in business literature to connecting with experts highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
Challenges and Rewards of Parenthood Amid Artistic Pursuits
Navigating the complexities of balancing artistic pursuits with parenting responsibilities, including challenges in practicing music at home with a child. The profound impact of children on identity, sense of purpose, and emotional depth, reflecting the joys and hurdles of parenthood. Striving for excellence in music alongside parenting showcases the intricate dance between personal growth and caring for others.
Seeking Harmony Between Artistic Expression and Personal Growth
The interplay between artistic expression and personal growth, illuminating moments of transcendence, connection, and shared experiences through music. Striving for artistic excellence while balancing emotional journeys, reflecting on past experiences to infuse depth and meaning into present performances. The pursuit of growth, resilience, and self-awareness as core components of artistic development and human experience.
Exploring Positive Psychology Principles in Arts Organizations
Delving into the integration of positive psychology in arts organizations for enhanced effectiveness and impact, originating from personal experiences during the Philadelphia Orchestra's period of financial turmoil. The importance of running healthy arts organizations for optimal delivery of public good and artistic expression. Leveraging insights from positive psychology and interdisciplinary approaches to strengthen organizational resilience and performance.
Enriching Life Through Parenthood and Artistic Pursuits
An exploration of the transformative impact of parenthood on identity, purpose, and emotional depth, amidst the challenges of balancing artistic endeavors and parental responsibilities. Embracing the joys and struggles of parenting, with children serving as catalysts for personal growth, self-reflection, and deeper connections. Juggling artistic excellence with nurturing familial relationships as a profound journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
This week Scott is joined by Assistant Principal Cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yumi Kendall. They discuss classical music's role in human flourishing and human transcendence, how life changes once you're a mother, and the sublime coincidence of Yumi occupying the same chair as Scott's grandfather in the Philadelphia Orchestra.
2:01-The Suzuki Method
7:53-What Is A Waldorf Education?
12:19-Yumi's Crystalizing Experience With The Cello
15:59-What Does Talent Mean?
25:33-What Are The Characteristics Of A Creative Musician?
