Instructions
Read the short biography about the famous musician Yo-Yo Ma. Then, complete the activities below to test your knowledge and creativity!
Meet Yo-Yo Ma
Have you ever heard music so beautiful it tells a story without a single word? That's the kind of magic Yo-Yo Ma creates with his instrument, the cello. Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most famous classical musicians in the world. He was born in Paris, France, in 1955 to Chinese parents. His family moved to New York City when he was a young boy.
Yo-Yo Ma was a child prodigy, which means he had extraordinary talent at a very young age. He began learning the cello when he was just four years old! By the time he was seven, he was so skilled that he performed for two U.S. Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower. While he is a master of classical music, especially the works of the composer Bach, Yo-Yo Ma loves to explore all kinds of music.
In 1998, he founded the Silk Road Ensemble, a musical group that brings together musicians and composers from all over the world. Their goal is to share musical traditions from different cultures, creating new and exciting sounds. Through his music and collaborations, Yo-Yo Ma shows us that music is a universal language that can connect people everywhere.
Activity 1: Fact Finder
Based on the text you just read, answer the following questions with a complete sentence.
- What instrument is Yo-Yo Ma famous for playing?
- What is a "child prodigy"?
- What is the name of the musical group Yo-Yo Ma founded to connect different cultures?
- In which European city was Yo-Yo Ma born?
Activity 2: Musical Word Scramble
Unscramble the following words related to Yo-Yo Ma and his music.
- L L E C O -> ____________________
- S I R A P -> ____________________
- C I M S U -> ____________________
- D A O R K L I S -> ____________________
- S C L A S A L C I -> ____________________
Activity 3: Match the Term
Draw a line to connect the term in Column A with its correct description in Column B.
| Column A | Column B |
| 1. Cello | A. A group that blends musical traditions from different countries. |
| 2. Bach | B. A large string instrument played while seated. |
| 3. Silk Road Ensemble | C. A person with exceptional talent at a very young age. |
| 4. Child Prodigy | D. A famous classical composer whose work Yo-Yo Ma often plays. |
Activity 4: Creative Corner
Yo-Yo Ma uses music to learn about and connect with people from all over the world. If you could share one thing from your culture (like a special food, a traditional story, a song, or a game) with a new friend from another country, what would it be and why?
Answer Key
Activity 1: Fact Finder
- Yo-Yo Ma is famous for playing the cello.
- A child prodigy is a person with extraordinary talent at a very young age.
- The musical group Yo-Yo Ma founded is called the Silk Road Ensemble.
- Yo-Yo Ma was born in Paris.
Activity 2: Musical Word Scramble
- L L E C O -> CELLO
- S I R A P -> PARIS
- C I M S U -> MUSIC
- D A O R K L I S -> SILK ROAD
- S C L A S A L C I -> CLASSICAL
Activity 3: Match the Term
- 1. Cello -> B. A large string instrument played while seated.
- 2. Bach -> D. A famous classical composer whose work Yo-Yo Ma often plays.
- 3. Silk Road Ensemble -> A. A group that blends musical traditions from different countries.
- 4. Child Prodigy -> C. A person with exceptional talent at a very young age.
Activity 4: Creative Corner
Answers will vary. The goal is for the student to reflect on their own culture and think about the importance of sharing it with others.