My thoughts on this post centre around the similar opportunities you have as a teacher to influence your students.
The more that young kids learn, just as you did, to seek out the alternatives to pop culture the better.
Your teacher unknowingly (or perhaps not) set you on this path.
For many young students, it will be you that fills this important role, and it will be you that is remembered with just as much respect.
Enjoy it.
Wax on
Wax off.
It's fascinating how certain people influence our lives. I don't think I ever met anyone specific who spurred me on at school, though I thank my history teachers for believeing in me - if they hadn't, I wouldn't have the degrees I am proud to own.
I don't know about the afterlife. But the best way to honor someone who impacted you is to try to impact others in the same way, which it sounds like you're already doing. If he is watching down, then he knows and I'm sure he's proud. If not, then it doesn't matter and all you have is what's here, so make the most of it and pay it forward. Which, again, you're already doing. So I don't think you have anything to worry about.
I have a bass, but I don't really think I'd call what I do "playing" it. I'd like to take lessons some day, when I have the time/money.
The more that young kids learn, just as you did, to seek out the alternatives to pop culture the better.
Your teacher unknowingly (or perhaps not) set you on this path.
For many young students, it will be you that fills this important role, and it will be you that is remembered with just as much respect.
Enjoy it.
Wax on
Wax off.