Piano Lessons

Book excerpt: The award-winning, much-loved memoir of renowned author and musician Anna Goldsworthy about her first steps towards a life in music. In this remarkable story, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her journey from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to a successful career as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than technique. Piano Lessons 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. This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet. 'I loved this book. Anna Goldsworthy's memoir left me awed, inspired and humbled.' --Alice Pung 'Marvellous. Enlightenment and joy on every page' --Helen Garner 'An expertly spun narrative, told with wry, self-effacing charm, elegant economy and the genuine love of a student for her teacher' The Australian 'A brilliant memoir ... Goldsworthy is a fine writer.' Big Issue Winner of Newcomer of the Year in the 2010 Australian Book Industry Awards Shortlisted for the Melbourne Prize for Best Writing Shortlisted for the Colin Roderick Award Shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards