Putu Prema Yoga

Finding The Rhythm of Collaboration

A few months ago, I was sitting behind a gamelan (Balinese Traditional Music Ensemble) in Barcelona, waiting for the concert performance with Gamelan Barasvara, the resident Balinese ensemble of the Music Museum of Barcelona, to begin. Before we started, we took a moment to pray. Then everyone quietly picked up their instrument and waited for the first note.  

As I looked around, I saw people from different countries preparing to play Balinese music together. Some had been playing for years. Others were experiencing gamelan for the first time.  

It reminded me of home. Growing up in Bali, Indonesia, gamelan become the culture that was always part of my life. Like many children, I used to think the louder instruments were the most important because they were the easiest to notice.  

As I spent more time with music, I started to see things differently. A gamelan only works when everyone listens to each other. Every instrument has its own role. Some carry the melody, some keep the rhythm, and some quietly connect everything together. If one part is missing, the whole performance feels different.  

At that time, I never thought of these as life lessons. I simply thought that was how gamelan was meant to be played. It wasn’t until I came to ESADE that I began to understand why those experiences stayed with me. I’ve worked with classmates from many different countries and backgrounds. Every project has been a chance to learn from people who think differently, communicate differently, and solve problems in their own way.  

The goal isn’t for everyone to play the same part. The goal is to find a rhythm where everyone can contribute. Looking back, I realize that harmony has quietly shaped the way I approach people, teamwork, and collaboration. When I first read the title “Invisible but Essential”, harmony was the first thing that came to mind.  

Sometimes they are the ones who listen carefully, support others, connect different ideas, or create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing. They may not stand out, but they also can help the whole team move forward. 

Wherever I go, I hope to keep bringing the same spirit of harmony and collaboration that gamelan has quietly taught me.