Itzhak Perlman, one of the greatest musical geniuses of our time, recalls his early education as a “triangle of hell,” marked by pressure from both his teacher and parents. At Juilliard, he was encouraged to be more expressive and self-reflective, a teaching style he now uses with his own students in a program he runs with his wife. The Perlmans believe in fostering a creative, collaborative atmosphere rather than focusing on “best” students, allowing each individual to develop at their own pace. This approach challenges the common practice of labeling some children as “gifted,” a mindset still prevalent in education and family dynamics today.
