Piano Lessons

(Paperback, 2nd New edition)

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Description

In this remarkable memoir, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her first steps towards a life in music, from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to international success as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than tone and technique. This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet. With wit and affection, Goldsworthy captures the hopes and uncertainties of youth, the fear and exhilaration of performing, and the complex bonds between teacher and student. An unforgettable cast of characters joins her: her family; her friends and rivals; and her teacher, Mrs Sivan, who inspires and challenges her in equal measure, and who transforms what seems an impossible dream into something real and sustaining.

Reviews

'This is a lovely, warm book - a terrific depiction of the powerful bonds between student and teacher, musician and composer, and, at its core, between two very talented women.' --Bookseller+Publisher

'Goldsworthy delivers an expertly spun narrative, told with wry, self-effacing charm, elegant economy and the genuine love of a student for her teacher.' --Australian

'This impressive debut will surely mark Anna Goldsworthy's arrival as an Australian writer to be reckoned with.' --Age

'I loved this book. Anna Goldsworthy's memoir left me awed, inspired and humbled.' --Alice Pung'Full of insight and a tender awareness of her adolescent foibles.' --Advertiser

'Marvellous. Enlightenment and joy on every page' --Helen Garner

'A brilliant memoir ... Goldsworthy is a fine writer.' --Big Issue

'A joy to read' --Adelaide Review

Author Bio

Anna Goldsworthy's writing has appeared in the Monthly, the Age, the Adelaide Review and Best Australian Essays. She has won numerous prizes and scholarships for piano performance. In 2004, she completed a world tour performing in festivals and concert halls in Australia, Asia, Europe and North and South America. Her solo CD, Come With Us, was released in early 2008. In that same year she collaborated with her father, Peter Goldsworthy, on a theatrical adaptation of his book Maestro, which drew inspiration from her early life.