The Piano - Scott Wanda J.

Sixteen-year-old Nicole Lynne Yaffa's dream of having her very own black ebony baby grand piano and becoming a concert pianist was shattered by her father's refusal to allow musical instruments in the house. When Nicole would approach the subject of music, her father would immediately suggest gymnastics, soccer, or dance. Sports held no interest for Nicole, music was her passion. The empty place within her could never be filled with anything else. Money for a piano and music lessons was not an issue, it wasn't as if her father couldn't afford it, there had to be a deeper reason for not allowing musical instrument in the house. Niccole's extra ordinary talent to play by ear was a gift. In preparation for her presentation at the Children's Music Forum, she had listened to Chopin's Nocturne so much that it rang in her spirit waiting to escape her fingertips onto the piano keys. Nicole's only opportunity to practice was in the school music lab while she waited for her brother to finish his sports practice. Adjusting from private school to public school Nicole found it difficult to make friends because their interest and values were so different from hers. Her obsession with her music is a defense against becoming involved in the reckless actions of her classmates. In spite of the opposition of her classmates, Nicole's determination and love for her music gave her a fierce drive for success. The lie that Nicole's father had believed all these years, that his mother had left because she loved her music more than she loved her family, is revealed and he is able to accept his daughter's passion and talent. "It was music that separated our family and it is music that has brought us back together."