...hurts worse than all the big and generalized ones.
Almost ten years ago I began teaching a talented young man who had developed an interest in the musical traditions I've studied and performed since 1977.
He was a student at the college where I teach, and everyone recognized his extraordinary musicianship and drive to learn.
He didn't have money to pay for vocal lessons, so I agreed to a barter arrangement, and for the next several years he worked on my house — and I gave him lessons, sometimes two or three times a week. I taught him unstintingly, with dedication and attention to detail.
He also took lessons in sitar from my wife, a fine musician and an excellent teacher, who gave equally generously without any expectation of compensation beyond the work that he was already doing.
Fast forward a few years, and skip below the short and curlies.
