How Do We Go From Competent to Good to Great?

Music teachers tend to form themselves into the pyramid we see in all areas of human talent and human creativity. At the bottom are the bad ones. Most of them don't last too long. They learn that the profession was not meant for them and seek other work. Above them is where most of us dwell; these are the competent teachers. They are found at every level and discipline.

The next level is much smaller. These are the really good teachers. These are the people we look up to. The excellence of their programs has little to do with the socioeconomic status of their school and community and a lot to do with them. They know the tools of the trade and how to use the tools to bring out the best in their groups.

The next level is smaller. These are the great teachers. Most of us have one or two of these in our lives. They are unforgettable. They are special. They changed us for the better. The lessons we learned from them transcended the subjects they taught.

Above them, above almost ...