János Starker: The Teacher

János Starker emphasizes that teaching has always been more important to him than performing. Having started teaching at the age of eight, he considers it a defining part of his life, one that affects future generations and leaves a lasting impact long after he is gone. While Starker acknowledges that performing thousands of concerts in his career was significant, he views the influence of teaching as far greater, shaping musicians for the future rather than just offering a momentary experience, such as a standing ovation.

He explains that he separates his roles as a performer and a teacher, stating that his performances have not influenced his teaching. Once he returns to Bloomington after concerts abroad, he immediately shifts into his role as a teacher and never blends the two aspects of his career. For Starker, teaching is about nurturing the future of music, which he considers his true calling.