Driven: Six Incredible Musical Journeys

by Nick Romeo

Despite what the doomsayers have been predicting for years, classical music is not dead. In fact, the next generation of young musicians is passionate, focused and driven to change the world through their music, and change how the world sees classical music. From the slums of Ukraine to the halls of Manhattan’s elite Juilliard School, Driven tells the stories of six incredible young musicians creating a life in music in the modern world. All made their national broadcast debut on the NPR/PBS program From the Top .

Praise for "Nick Romeo is a skilled writer who immediately captures your imagination and interest. Each of the musician profiles provide the reader with access into the world of aspiring classical musicians. And, at the conclusion of each chapter, I found myself wanting to know more about these young musicians. Driven should be required reading for all undergraduate music students." –Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean; Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University

“Driven is an engaging and informative read. For anyone convinced that classical music is dead, this book is refreshing proof to the contrary.” –Glenn Dicterow, Concertmaster, New York Philharmonic and Violin Faculty, The Juilliard School

"Driven reveals a new artistic sensibility by some of today’s leading young artists. These talented performers boldly engage their audiences with all musics, styles, and settings. Economic barriers are removed, new media are employed, and the concert experience is truly shared between artist and listener. Nick Romeo not only chronicles the new face of classical music but also a new heard as well!” –Robert Blocker, The Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music, Yale University

"Driven is ultimately about the future of inventiveness, ambition, imagination, dedication and responsibility among those considered part of a slacker generation. No one can read these chapters without being uplifted, and anyone who’s plagued by rejection and reads about these young people will be inspired to keep trying.” –Phil Jackson, Florida Weekly

136 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2011

About the author

Nick Romeo is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and writer. His work has been published by the Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange, Peach Velvet Magazine, Panoplyzine, Rune, Degenerate Literature, Quail Bell Magazine, Basement Outpost, and others. Nick lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife, Noell, and cat, Megatron.

Reviews

[George King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Romeo’s DRIVEN is a fascinating and entertaining read. I say this not because I’m a fan of classical music, which I am, but because the six young musicians profiled in the book demand the reader’s attention. A violinist, two pianists, an opera singer, a keyboardist, and a trumpeter literally leap off the pages with their display of talent and ambition. The author digs deeply into their diverse backgrounds, which range from an Asian American from Texas to a homeless Ukrainian girl. Romeo is particularly effective when describing the competitions that these prodigies enter, building suspense as the reader eagerly awaits the outcome. All have appeared on the popular PBS/NPR program “From the Top” and share the same goal, revitalizing classical music, whose demise with the death of the current elder generation has been predicted by some. With versatile young talent like this, I see no danger of that happening.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about seven artists who appeared on Over the Top, a public radio show featuring young artists. I was particularly interested in learning more about Nadine Sierra, now an (adult) opera star, but I enjoyed the other chapters, too.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and inspiring

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of young musicians who have appeared on From the Top. This book was written in 2011; wonder what these same musicians are doing now?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-written and engaging portrayal of the lives and educational development of 6 rising and noteworthy classical musicians, ones I, for one, will be sure to take note of from now on.