Private Lessons

By Cynthia Salaysay

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1536209600
• ISBN13: 9781536209600
• Release Date: May 2020
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12