As referred to in other threads, Dave Van Ronk epitomized the qualities of a great teacher. In a way, it's funny that he did, because on one hand, he didn't really give the impression that he placed a lot of importance on it. It wasn't unusual to arrive for a lesson and find Dave rumpled and half awake, grousing like a suddenly awakened bear out of hibernation. But with Dave, "gruffness" was a garment he wore casually. One of his greatest qualities was that he wasn't interested in producing clones of himself. Despite having the greatest admiration for his guitar playing and material, he never once taught me one of the songs he did, and the only song I ever did that he sang was Whoa Back Buck, and I did my version more like a combination of Lonnie Donnegan and Buddy Holly, fingerpicked. Dave gave each student what they needed to try to realize their potential as an individual. He had a great sense of who the person was, rather than just seeing them as another student. He encouraged people to strike out on their own and really seemed to enjoy the fruits not only of his labor, but theirs.

Jerry