Piano Lessons

by
Anna Goldsworthy

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Piano Lessons

by Anna Goldsworthy (Goodreads Author)

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 130 ratings · 39 reviews

(From the blurb)
In this remarkable memoir, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her first steps towards a life in music, from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to international success as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than tone and technique. This is a story of the getting of wi...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published September 1st 2009 by Black Inc (first published 2009)

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Apr 29, 2010 C. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-or-access, australian, 2010

I have played a lot of music in my life - for fifteen of my first nineteen years I was towed off to multiple music lessons, made to practise nightly, coerced into joining consorts, ensembles, orchestras, quartets, choirs. At my peak I played four instruments competently to well (no longer, but that's another story), and there were people who said I had talent, though frankly I had no interest in developing it. Nonetheless, I had no idea there was as much to music as there is in this book. The wa...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Jo Case rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aus-authors, cultural, memoir

Black Inc. is building a reputation for breaking important new Australian non-fiction writers. In recent years, the debut memoirs of relative unknowns Craig Sherborne (Hoi Polloi) and Alice Pung (Unpolished Gem) achieved considerable critical and commercial success and launched major writing careers, despite the handicap of the writers’ relative anonymity at the time of publication. Both memoirs boasted distinctive voices, fluid and engaging storytelling, and a cultural resonance well beyond the...more Black Inc. is building a reputation for breaking important new Australian non-fiction writers. In recent years, the debut memoirs of relative unknowns Craig Sherborne (Hoi Polloi) and Alice Pung (Unpolished Gem) achieved considerable critical and commercial success and launched major writing careers, despite the handicap of the writers’ relative anonymity at the time of publication. Both memoirs boasted distinctive voices, fluid and engaging storytelling, and a cultural resonance well beyond the personal experiences of the writers.

Anna Goldsworthy will be glancingly familiar within literary circles as an occasional contributor to The Monthly and Australian Book Review, and to classical music aficionados as a performer, both as a soloist and with Seraphim Trio. (And, yes, her father is the novelist Peter Goldsworthy.) But her debut memoir, Piano Lessons, relies on her virtuoso skills as a writer and storyteller over name recognition, or even the bare bones of her story.

The framework is Anna’s journey as a musician, starting at the age of nine, and the essential role of her vivacious, eccentric piano teacher Mrs Sivan in shaping her not only as an artist, but as a person. This is juxtaposed alongside the more universal journey from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, and Anna’s delicate navigation of the various (often competing) influences of family, peers and teachers, all the while trying to tune into her own desires and ambitions.

In an era where children are routinely told that they can achieve anything they set their mind to (without the caveat of hard work), and seemingly sane adults embrace the quasi-religion of The Secret (visualise it, believe it, and you’ll get it), Anna’s narrative of high achievement as extreme sport rather than mystical experience is a welcome reality check. While she is evidently gifted with natural abilities well beyond the reach of most (in addition to her many musical achievements, she received perfect scores in Year 12, as well as academic medals for topping the state in both English and music), her success is mostly attributed to sheer hard work. It’s only when she relinquishes her yearning to be a normal teenager and embraces the discipline of unrelenting practice that she blossoms from a highly proficient player into a promising artist. ‘So much talent goes to bin, or to madhouse!’ sagely observes Mrs Sivan. ‘Much more interesting question is what you do with talent.’

In her early years of high school, Anna struggles between two competing dreams: to be a ‘moderately popular’ teenager; and to give in to her innate drive to excel in all that she does – particularly music, her greatest challenge and her greatest passion. She ‘swot[s] how to be a teenager’ with Dolly magazine as her study guide, but is inevitably revealed as ‘a brain’ as ‘academic awards lob ... themselves promiscuously into [her] arms’. As she admits the solace she finds in the identifiable answers of schoolwork as opposed to the ‘impenetrable codes’ of the schoolyard, she gives up her play-acting, relaxing into herself.

Concerns that Anna may be ‘robbed of a childhood’ are repeatedly raised over the years – but in fact, she seems most comfortable in her skin when immersing herself in study or practice (as her swotting over Dolly succinctly reveals). Piano Lessons is part tribute to her teacher, whose voice and spirit are brilliantly captured on the page – but even more so, it’s a celebration of the joy of learning and its capacity for personal enrichment.

Mrs Sivan’s teachings about music and creativity are readily transferable to other forms of artistic expression – and some of her most ardently imparted lessons are evident in Goldsworthy’s prose. She emphasises the importance of ‘all little details working for big vision’; completely inhabiting a piece so as to best communicate it to an audience; and striking a balance between technical precision and creative expression – the former providing the necessary scaffolding for the latter. She concludes that when judging the execution of a piece, ‘Greatest compliment is it looks easy, not difficult’. Judging by these criteria, Mrs Sivan should be proud of Piano Lessons, which is deceptively simple but multi-layered, rich with meditations on identity, creativity, ambition and achievement; deeply felt without a hint of sentimentality. This impressive debut will surely mark Anna Goldsworthy’s arrival as an Australian writer to be reckoned with.

This review was first published in the Sydney Morning Herald.(less)

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Feb 23, 2012 Fran rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Piano Lessons

Author: Anna Goldsworthy

Reviewed By Fran Lewis

Memoirs are really quite unique as they reflect the inner most thoughts of the person writing them as they create a world for the reader comprised of their most memorable moments, important events and their passions shared. Anna Goldsworthy’s world at an early age was her love of the piano, music and pleasing her family. Striving for acceptance and hoping that she would be the best at a young age she dedicated her life to the piano, the...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Jillwilson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I were a smartarse, I would write: "As a writer, Anna Goldsworthy makes a great pianist" but the book deserves better than that. It is a memoir - of her growing up and learning to become a pianist under the tutelage of Mrs Sivan, an accomplished teacher. It's a very gentle book - even though the struggle to become an accomplished musician is clearly there along with the doubts and some teenage angst.

I failed the book - I don't have a good grasp of classical music an dtherefore did not appreci...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Kelly rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I won Piano Lessons from First Reads, and it's taken me awhile to formulate a review in my head. I didn't care much for this book but it's difficult for me to articulate why. While other readers say they flew through reading this book, I found the opposite to be true. I really struggled to finish it and honestly, if I hadn't won it from First Reads and promised to write a review, I'm not sure I ever would have. It's well-written but the subject matter just seemed to be lacking something. I took...more

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Oct 17, 2009 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, australia, autobiography

I don’t usually read memoirs, but Anna Goldworthy’s Piano Lessons attracted me from the moment I first heard about it. When I was a little girl I had wanted to be a pianist and a writer: Goldsworthy is both and I wanted to know how she did it…

It wasn’t just talent, though she has it (and I never did). It wasn’t just hours of dedicated practice, though she realised long before I did that desultory efforts with the piano are not enough for success. Her story traces the elusive path of dreams and a...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Blake Baguley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This couldn't be any more different from Stephen Fry's autobiography that I just finished, but still I really enjoyed this book, from cover to cover. A lot of it seemed like an unintentional slap in the face -- saying here's everything that you missed when you were learning piano. But I did really enjoy following Anna's whole journey and getting the chance to sit in on her lessons like a fly on the wall almost.
Some other reviewers are giving her a bit of grief over her writing style, but I have...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: pianists, artists, fans of memoir

Recommended to Susan by: goodreads

Shelves: first-reads, memoir, mycollection, 2010read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. As someone who used to play the piano (although never professionally) and who is always interested in memoirs that chronicle the growth of an artist, I enjoyed this a lot. I've read lots of autobiographies written by writers, artists, athletes, dancers, and actors, but I think this was my first in terms of classical musicians. It was definitely fascinating to get an inside look at the world of young concert pianists (not unlike that of elite athletes, interestingly). I was reminded of the YA nov...more

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Nov 13, 2010 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I feel that this book would only be interesting to those people who have more than a passing knowledge of music. It is a look into the life (and early training) of a concert pianist. The depth of the love of music and composers is beyond what most of us understand. But I did enjoy the story of Anna's journey with her amazing piano teacher. I also liked the insight she shared into some of the composers she was studying, though I would have liked more exploration of their lives than she gave. This...more

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Nov 26, 2010 Georgie rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those who have taken music lessons or parents of children who have lessons.

I enjoyed this book having grown up in a similar environment and having gone through the music lesson mill myself. I did find the voice of the piano teacher a little irritating at times and also felt that the author had little choice but to become a musician given the enthusiasm of her father sitting in on two hour lessons etc. And I did wonder how you could fail an exam (6th grade?) with so much practice and such a brilliant teacher - something odd about that. A nice idea for a book and I enjoy...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Gretchen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011

Dear Mrs Miller: Thank you for taking on a gangly, awkward 14yo, and helping me to find my voice. 25 years later, I still get comments on what a great high school choir director I had. My response is that I did, but more than that, I had a great personal mentor. I miss you, and wish I had been able to say thank you before you left us.

Piano Lessons is Anna Goldsworthy's thank you letter to her teacher, Elenora Sivan. We meet them both when Anna is 9, and has her first encounter with her new piano...more Dear Mrs Miller: Thank you for taking on a gangly, awkward 14yo, and helping me to find my voice. 25 years later, I still get comments on what a great high school choir director I had. My response is that I did, but more than that, I had a great personal mentor. I miss you, and wish I had been able to say thank you before you left us.

Piano Lessons is Anna Goldsworthy's thank you letter to her teacher, Elenora Sivan. We meet them both when Anna is 9, and has her first encounter with her new piano instructor. Mrs. Sivan is demanding, and focuses Anna on going beyond the notes. She introduces Anna to Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, etc, by explaining not just the passages, but how to convey the personality and the intent of the composers. Through her lessons, Anna comes to know the composers and how to find the moments when she can go beyond the music and into expression.

The story is also about Anna's development as a person. A high achiever, she is challenged by music. She may be able to achieve high math scores, but she's told early on that she probably won't make it as a musician. That leads her into a tough combination of dedication and superstition. She isolates herself from friends and social activities, convinced that if she practices that extra hour, or two, or seven, she'll win the competition, or be able to perform in concert. It's a very honest look at the internal motivation that can happen for a high achieving person -- she doesn't perceive the work as a sacrifice, but she also is very afraid that she might fail and disappoint her family, and her beloved teacher.

The story falters a bit as Anna gets older. I think it's difficult to convey the relationship transition from teacher/student to mentor/guide. Also there is less focus on the interpretation of music, and more on Anna's choices as she pursues a career in music. These sections limit an otherwise strong book.

For anyone who grew up in music, especially those who had a strong bond with their teacher, this book will have many moments that ring true. Mrs Sivan's fractured english constructions and her love for the piano create a dynamic picture of a passionate, demanding, yet caring instructor, who challenges her student to reach great heights. Recommended for musicians and music lovers. (less)

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May 22, 2011 Barb Terpstra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love music. I was brought up with it in my home as my mom played both the piano and the organ. Learning to play the piano was a struggle for me (I really never progressed much beyond being able to play some hymns and maybe 3 years of piano books?), so I really admire those who have the gift to bring such beautiful music out of the piano. I enjoyed "Piano Lessons" so much! Anna's portrayal of her teacher, Mrs. Sivan, and her own (Anna's) growth as a pianist is written in an engaging way. I part...more

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Oct 12, 2010 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian

That went fast! A very enjoyable read. Anna does a great job of writing about herself as a child and teenager, with a lot of honesty and humour about herself and her failings. It was harder for me to get caught up in her discussions of music. Perhaps it would have helped if there was an accompanying CD of the pieces described. It was a bit like reading about Chippendale chairs and not knowing what they look like, or an in-depth restaurant review of food you'll never get to eat. It made me hungry...more

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Mar 16, 2010 Kari rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, non-fiction, 2010-read

I received this book as a Christmas present from John & Erika and started reading it almost immediately.

It is an interesting memoir based around Anna's piano lessons - who is certainly a more dedicated piano player than I am. If I had Mrs Sivan as a piano teacher I think I would have quit lessons after the first month! A nice book and it was interesting reading the bits about Pembroke.

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Oct 27, 2011 Linda G rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no

Recommended to Linda G by: myself

My anticipation was great before I opened the book and as I read through the storyline I found many parts of it boring but I drudged through it hoping that events would be interesting. For some reason unable to to have any like for Anna the pianist. At first I wanted to sympathize with her because it seemed her parents sorta pushed her into playing piano. Her desire was to sing professionally but I think that was just a child's dream as it seemed she did not possess talent in that musical endeav...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Sharon Malcolm rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This beautiful book needs to be read aloud, particularly the wonderful passages when Ms. Goldworthy's Russian emigrant teacher, Eleanora Sivan, is talking. You have to do the accent, and then it all makes sense. Wonderful stuff indeed, even if some of the musical references went a little over my head. An absolute must for anyone who teaches, learns or sits in on music lessons.

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Jan 25, 2013 Dilly Dalley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian-writers, autobiography, memoir, music

Piano lessons has a lighthearted and humourous tone that overlays a story of strength, determination and a deeply held, almost spiritual attachment to the teacher implied by the title. Ultimately it is a story of gratitude and appreciation. Anna GOldsworthy pays tribute to her piano teacher, Eleanora Silvan, who we come to respect and admire through the twenty years covered in the book.

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Dec 29, 2010 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gifts

Eleanora Sivan is such a wonderful piano teacher! (I love my own piano teacher who also speaks English as a second language.) I loved Goldsworthy's portrayal of her lessons and her teacher. And the arrangement into chapters under composers was cool. I wonder what Goldsworthy's piano playing sounds like?

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Dec 28, 2012 Barry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lovely book. Anyone who's ever studied piano at even a somewhat advanced level, esp if you've studied with a great teacher, can identify with Goldsworthy. I've been privileged to have 4 truly great teachers and I've taken away so much from all of them and am profoundly grateful for everything they gave me.

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Aug 11, 2011 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book made me think back to the time I was learning piano, and the surnames of composers sounded like familiar friends. And how much I hated practicing for an hour a day. Oh whoops, this was a book review... I had wiped that period out of my memory, but Anna Goldsworthy's writing brought it all back...

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Apr 20, 2011 Suzy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bit of a mixed view for this book. Anna Goldsworthy is a good storyteller and manages to draw you into situations, which is good as I have a limited knowledge of music and don't play any instruments. However, because I'm not a musician I felt I didn't really get anything from this book, didn't feel inspired and quite often left wondering why this privileged girl complains so much.

She had an inspired, but eccentric piano teacher who was quite hard to follow with her various sayings. I understand...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A beautiful homage to Goldsworthy's piano teacher-- full of wisdom, humor, and lots of piano music. I loved reading it, loved her teacher, and found myself wanting to practice the piano every day myself when I'd finished it. A must-read for piano teachers.

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Feb 20, 2013 Elizabeth Ban rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book. It brought back memories of my own childhood and helped me understand why I am so attached to my piano, yet did not pursue it as a career, despite the fact I had a teacher who was a younger version of Mrs Sivan.

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Sep 03, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Superb. Loved every minute of it, laughed out loud occasionally. It reminded me of all the warm, eccentric, knowledgeable musicians in my life. It also shed light on several composers, making them human as well as great composers.

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Dec 08, 2010 Marsha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What an amazing book. It was an epiphany for me in my struggle to play the piano well. Listening to what you play is as important as learning the notes. Anna Goldsworthy's teacher, Mrs. Sivan finally got to me after many years of just learning the notes. Goldsworthy writes so well that you think you are taking the lessons that she experienced. She also has a website and is on YouTube so that you can hear and see her.

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Nov 01, 2011 Charles rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a brilliant book! Highly recommended. Now I am reading Peter Goldsworthy's novel MAESTRO which is loosely based on Anna's piano lessons and teacher, Eleanora Sivan

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May 18, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: music, non-fiction, memoir

An advanced copy of the book was kindly sent to me by the author/publishers.

I really did enjoy this book, although I am hugely bias as I am myself a musician. Anna hasn't done anything revolutionary in her life but it is a very useful and enjoyable read. I loved reading about all the different composers, and her teacher Mrs Sivan, because I know an awful amount about them, and it definitely made me appreciate them more. To non-musicians, I can understand how one may not prefer this book but I wo...more

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Jun 17, 2010 Marco D'anvers rated it 5 of 5 stars

I laughed so hard reading this book but I also learnt so much about music from the wonderful Eleanora Sivan. Its definitely my favourite book of the last few years

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Jul 18, 2011 Jennifer Rolfe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Autobiography of her journey learning the piano with an amazing teacher. It sounds boring but it wasn't. What it takes to be a great pianist.

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Aug 31, 2011 ♫Angielee♫ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really like this book, but hesitate recommending it to any of my piano teaching peers. Although it has great analogy from Mrs. Sivian, the teacher from Russia, it also had a lot of material that would offend some of my nice friends.

As I started reading this book, I was surprised that it was based in Adelaide, Australia. I didn't realize that before i started reading. Being from Australia, however, means it at lot more laxed in language and subject material then my elderly fellow teachers are...more

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About Anna Goldsworthy

Anna Goldsworthy is an Australian classical pianist and writer. In October 2009 her memoir Piano Lessons was released in Australia by publisher Black Inc. In November 2010 it will be published in the US by St Martin's Press (Macmillian). From 2010 she will be Artistic Director of the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival. Anna is also a Board Member of the Australian Book Review, Artist-in-Residence at...more

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“I tell you a secret about Chopin, piano is his best friend. More. He tells piano all his secrets.” - piano teacher Eleanora Sivan.” — 9 people liked it

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