But an innovation, to grow organically from within, has to be based on an intact tradition, so our idea is to bring together musicians who represent all these traditions, in workshops, festivals, and concerts, to see how we can connect with each other in music.

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Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children's education.

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Culture opens our hearts to one another. And the currency in culture is not money, but trust.

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When your heart and your mind are engaged, you cannot go wrong.

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Perfection is not very communicative

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I remember when I was growing up. My great wish was to understand who I was and how I fit in the world.

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I play an instrument that has four strings, and I'm still trying to get it right. What I've tried to do in the process of playing these four strings is to try and understand the people I meet, the stories they have to tell. And then become an advocate for them and their stories through music.

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I think one of the great things about being a musician is that you never stop learning.

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Each day I move toward that which I do not understand. The result is a continuous accidental learning which constantly shapes my life.

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Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you're passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks.

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