The acclaimed true story of how one woman’s musical gift affected those who least expected it. A single mother with little more than talent and the determination to make a difference, Roberta Guaspari overcame the skepticism of everyone who didn’t think she should be teaching violin to students in a tough inner-city neighborhood. However, even after a decade of ever-growing popularity and countless success stories, Roberta and her kids must rise to meet an even greater challenge: budget cuts aimed at shutting down her valuable program for good. This extraordinary story will inspire anyone who’s ever thought their dreams were too far out of reach.
Featured Clips
03:01Though Brian has grown close to Roberta and her two boys, he doesn't seem to have serious intentions about settling down with the family. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep), Brian Turner (Aidan Quinn)- 02:50A parent complains that Roberta is too harsh on the students, but when she tries to be softer, the students have concerns. In this scene: Principal Janet Williams (Angela Bassett), Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
- 01:23Roberta makes a connection with an important figure in the classical music world. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
- 02:30Roberta's boys place an ad in the personal section of the paper to try to get her to go out on a date. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
- 01:28Roberta meets Isabel, one of the few teachers who doesn't immediately shun her. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep), Isabel Vasquez (Gloria Estefan)
- 01:12Roberta tries to convince one of her students' mother to allow him to play in her class. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
- 03:23In an attempt to secure a job at the school in Harlem, Roberta demonstrates her violin teaching skills to Principal Williams. In this scene: Principal Janet Williams (Angela Bassett), Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
- 03:29After many years Brian and Roberta reconnect and discuss failed life dreams, then he makes her a unique offer. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep), Brian Turner (Aidan Quinn)
- 03:02Brian and Roberta toast a successful first week at the school, then he admits he wishes they could get closer. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep), Brian Turner (Aidan Quinn)
- 02:23After teaching a class, Roberta has an altercation with a mother who insists her son doesn't need to be "rescued" by a white woman. In this scene: Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep)
