Anthony Paolucci

PIANO LESSONS

 

Edie Fairmont is a proud gay teen, who loves horror movies, Doritos, and her ferret, Momo. She was also born with a very special talent, one that all but guarantees her a bright and prosperous future: Edie is perhaps one of the greatest piano players of her generation.

There's only one problem - Edie doesn't care. The piano gives her no joy, no pleasure whatsoever, save the empty satisfaction of being good at something.

Until one day, Edie can no longer play. Her ability has disappeared, along with seven keys from her piano. With no rational explanation, she becomes desperate for answers.
 

Enter Alyssa, a mysterious girl from her school, who tells Edie that in order to regain her abilities, she must first acquire a sound understanding of what it means to be a true artist, the seven missing keys each representing a fundamental element of music. These "piano lessons" take Edie on an existential adventure, one where adolescence and magic share a path.

 

Will Edie connect with the slumbering artist inside her? Or will she resign to being an average girl, one blissfully unburdened by her gift?

 

And what about Alyssa, whose true nature remains a puzzle? Is a friendship possible with the enigmatic girl, or are they destined for something more?

 

In addition to being a love letter to music, PIANO LESSONS strives to navigate a complex landscape of adolescent issues relevant to today's society. From the pitfalls of young love and being gay in a modern world to the turmoil of self-acceptance, this ambitious tale touches upon many experiences with which young people - particularly young women - struggle to both comprehend and overcome.