I am taking piano lessons late in life and this book along with Greg Dawson's They Played in the Spotlight are very inspirational with life living and giving experiences to grasp and apply to everyday.

"Looks at the life of a tough-as-nails Ukrainian-immigrant music teacher who transformed his students and daughters not only into better musicians, but all better people" Biography and Memoir February 2014 newsletter http://www.libraryaware.com/996/NewsletterIssues/ViewIssue/0e887225-0b8a-4fa1-a3f4-f7a1eba4ffe0?postId=0eb00fdc-2a64-4083-8ac8-384add517db0

The best book I've read about a music teacher and music in general. This unkown man, Mr. K, had a transformative role in the lives of many, many successful students and their families. They carry his legacy into board rooms, hospitals, universities, editorial rooms and, of course, schools. The importance of music to these people is explained very well.

This is a powerhouse of a book: it made me laugh and cry all at once. I can recognize myself in these awestruck former students! This is a must-read for anyone who loves music, teaching or who had one such person in their lives.