Music of the Heart 1999

Roberta's Emotional Struggles

In 1981 New York City, Roberta Guaspari copes with the emotional aftermath of her divorce from Charles Demetras, who has shifted his affections to her friend, Lana Holden. This period marks a significant turning point in her life as she faces the challenge of supporting her two sons while seeking solace in music.

Roberta's First Steps Back to Work

Urged by her mother Assunta, Roberta re-enters the workforce as a gift-wrapper at a local department store. Here, she meets Brian Turner, an old acquaintance who encourages her to reignite her passion for music and consider a potential career in teaching.

Meeting Janet Williams

Following Turner's suggestion, Roberta meets Janet Williams, the head teacher at Central Park East School. Despite lacking formal experience, Roberta is determined to take on the role of a substitute violin teacher, believing she can make a difference in the children's lives.

Starting the Violin Program

Roberta acquires 50 child-sized violins from Greece, a gift from her husband during his deployment. With these instruments, she initiates her teaching journey, aiming to inspire her students and foster a love for music among them.

Building Community Support

As Roberta's violin program gains traction, she works tirelessly to win over doubtful parents and the local community. Her dedication and unique approach to teaching create a supportive environment for her students to thrive musically.

Threat to the Program

A decade later, the New York City Board of Education considers cutting funding for Roberta's cherished string programs. Faced with this challenge, Roberta's resolve to protect the program she has built only intensifies.

Organizing Fiddlefest

To combat the funding cuts, Roberta organizes Fiddlefest, a benefit concert aimed at raising money for the music program. She rallies support from her former students, their parents, and fellow teachers, showcasing her passion for music education.

Venue Crisis

As the Fiddlefest rehearsals progress, disaster strikes when the original venue for the concert is suddenly revoked. Faced with adversity, Roberta must find a new location to ensure the concert goes on as planned.

Help from Music Legends

In a stroke of good fortune, celebrated violinist Arnold Steinhardt steps in to assist Roberta. He recruits other renowned musicians such as Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman to participate in the concert, helping secure a new venue at Carnegie Hall.

Fiddlefest Performance

The Fiddlefest concert becomes a monumental event, allowing Roberta and her students to perform alongside music legends. This incredible opportunity not only highlights the students' talents but also solidifies Roberta's commitment to music education.

Success of Fiddlefest

The Fiddlefest concert turns out to be an overwhelming success, raising $250,000. The funds serve as a vital lifeline, ensuring the continuation of Roberta's innovative music program for an additional three years, reaffirming music’s powerful role in the community.

Reinstatement of the Violin Program

Despite limited support from the Community School District 4, the combined efforts of Roberta and her devoted supporters lead to the official reinstatement of her distinguished violin program. This outcome showcases the significant impact Roberta has on her students’ lives and futures.

Personal Life Flourishes

As her professional life thrives, Roberta's personal life flourishes as well. Living in East Harlem with her adopted daughter Sophia, she witnesses her son Nicholas excel as a talented cellist and her youngest son Alexi prepare for a promising medical career.