Growing out of a New York Times Op-Ed piece that went viral about a remarkable teacher's legacy, STRINGS ATTACHED is a remarkable duet--2 authors, 2 perspectives--that explores how success stems from enduring, tough lessons. Mr. K never received "Favorite Teacher" gifts. He was the sharp-spoken, foot-pounding, never-praising Ukrainian-born despot whose music lessons and orchestra rehearsals reduced students to tears. Yet, when Jerry Kupchynsky--Mr. K--passed away, more than 100 students from three generations returned to play in a memorial concert, and acknowledge the amazing lesson he instilled: Demand great things of yourself. Co-written by award-winning journalist Joanne Lipman and Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist, Melanie Kupchynsky (also Mr. K's daughter), STRINGS ATTACHED: "One Tough Teacher and the Gift of Great Expectations" provokes questions about education and parenting: Is failure acceptable and can it shape future success? Is self-discipline more important than support systems? Is praise a tool, or a detriment? Why does studying music prepare so many for outsized success?Today we can't imagine allowing an educator to scream "Who eez idyot who play wrong note? " at young students.

But we do demand our educators help prepare kids for the future, and our high-praise, low-responsibility approach may not be doing new generations any favors. Mr. K's subject was music, but the lessons he taught were universal ones about resilience, character development, the power of a can-do attitude, and achieving excellence in life. He was nothing if not successful, and his legacy is pure joy and outsized success.