Final answer:
The story's chronological structure underscores the author's message that discipline and hard work can lead to success, as shown by the students who thrived under the teacher's new methods and later found music careers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story's structure affects the author's message by using a sequence of events to illustrate the varied reactions to the teacher's change in teaching style and the eventual outcomes for the students. The structure can be best described as chronological, which details how the teacher's new approach led to a reduced number of students but those who remained became more skilled and eventually found careers in the music industry. This structure helps convey a message about the importance of discipline and perseverance in one's craft, suggesting that while stricter methods may not be universally appealing, they can produce exceptional results for those willing to adhere to them.