Private Lessons

In a standout debut for the #MeToo era, a young pianist devotes herself to her art -- and to the demanding, charismatic teacher she idolizes.

After seventeen-year-old Claire Alalay's father's death, only music has helped her channel her grief. Claire likes herself best when she plays his old piano, a welcome escape from the sadness -- and her traditional Filipino mother's prayer groups. In the hopes of earning a college scholarship, Claire auditions for Paul Avon, a prominent piano teacher, who agrees to take Claire as a pupil. Soon Claire loses herself in Paul's world and his way of digging into a composition's emotional core. She practices constantly, foregoing a social life, but no matter how hard she works or how well she plays, it seems impossible to gain Paul's approval, let alone his affection. Author Cynthia Salaysay composes a moving, beautifully written portrait of rigorous perfectionism, sexual awakening, and the challenges of self-acceptance. Timely and vital, Private Lessons delves into a complicated student/teacher relationship, as well as class and cultural differences, with honesty and grace.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 05/12/2020
ISBN: 9781536209600
Pages: 320
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.50w x 1.20d

Review Citations: School Library Journal 03/01/2020 pg. 118
Booklist 04/01/2020 pg. 73