That was powerful to read and reminded me a little of the 1999 film "Music of the Heart" with Meryl Streep. The film is about the real life story of music teacher Roberta Usaspari in NYC and her much sought after music program that had children entering a lottery to be accepted. These were oftentimes children from families where English is a 2nd language and the parents were ill-equipped to help their children with their studies. It's based on a documentary that is every bit as good as the film although I can't seem to find a link to it. I'm sorry for the loss of your very special mentor. 

Kevin g