Many schooled musicians complain of inhibition: they can't improvise and it seems unbelievable that they might create music of their own.

One young woman in my studio is determined to make her own music. All she has to go on is a vision in her mind of how she wants it to sound--mostly, I think, how she wants it to feel. It's a song, patterned on a pop ballad. She keeps working at it. I am touched by her intent determination to make this music, her own music.

In a fascinating reversal of the usual teacher/student - who's in charge? scenario I have to pay attention to her. Why?

From what I know about courage and self-confidence I would go so far as to say it's because nothing could be more important.