1999
Roberta Guaspari-Demetras, a recently separated woman, moves to East Harlem with her two sons and begins teaching violin at Central Park East Elementary School, facing initial resistance from staff and students. She struggles with her personal life, including a brief relationship with Brian Turner and the emotional fallout from her divorce, while simultaneously working to build her violin program. Roberta's dedication transforms her students, who come from diverse backgrounds, into a talented ensemble, but she faces challenges like securing funding and dealing with difficult students and their families. After years of building the program, the school district announces budget cuts, threatening to eliminate the violin classes entirely. Roberta and her community rally to save the program, organizing a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, which ultimately succeeds in raising awareness and funds, ensuring the program's continuation and celebrating the students' musical achievements.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Music Of The Heart follows Roberta, a recently divorced mother who rediscovers her passion by teaching violin in East Harlem.
Open full beat sheetROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS is listed as Protagonist / Violin Teacher. A beautiful, talented woman with large, expressive eyes, recently separated from her husband. In the parsed data, ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS is connected to 96 scenes, 136 dialogue lines, 136 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
96 scenes / 136 dialogue linesNICK DEMETRAS is listed as Roberta's Son. Young boy, later a teenager, passionate musician. In the parsed data, NICK DEMETRAS is connected to 31 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
31 scenes / 22 dialogue linesLEXI DEMETRAS is listed as Roberta's Son. Young boy, later a teenager, passionate musician. In the parsed data, LEXI DEMETRAS is connected to 29 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
29 scenes / 4 dialogue linesRAMON OLIVAS is listed as Student. Small, adorable Puerto Rican boy with a crew cut. In the parsed data, RAMON OLIVAS is connected to 22 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 71.
22 scenes / 2 dialogue linesBRIAN TURNER is listed as Roberta's Friend / Love Interest. Handsome, sexy guy with longish hair, author. In the parsed data, BRIAN TURNER is connected to 18 scenes, 25 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
18 scenes / 25 dialogue linesDE SEAN is listed as Student. Small but tough Black boy. In the parsed data, DE SEAN is connected to 14 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
14 scenes / 7 dialogue linesJANET WILLIAMS is listed as School Director. Black woman with a kind face, director of Central Park East Elementary. In the parsed data, JANET WILLIAMS is connected to 13 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.
13 scenes / 13 dialogue linesNAEEM ADISA is listed as Student. Graceful Black boy, serious expression. In the parsed data, NAEEM ADISA is connected to 12 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
12 scenes / 7 dialogue linesLUCY is listed as Student. Skinny Puerto Rican girl in perpetual motion. In the parsed data, LUCY is connected to 12 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
12 scenes / 6 dialogue linesGUADALUPE is listed as Student. Petite Mexican girl with a long dark braid, wears leg braces. In the parsed data, GUADALUPE is connected to 11 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
11 scenes / 7 dialogue linesASSUNTA GUASPARI is listed as Roberta's Mother. Slender, tired Italian-American woman. In the parsed data, ASSUNTA GUASPARI is connected to 9 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
9 scenes / 4 dialogue linesDOROTHEA VAN HAUFTEN is listed as Photographer. Elegant, beautiful woman, smartly dressed. In the parsed data, DOROTHEA VAN HAUFTEN is connected to 8 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 90.
8 scenes / 3 dialogue linesDENNIS RAUSCH is listed as Music Teacher / Program Coordinator. Uptight man, resistant to Roberta's program. In the parsed data, DENNIS RAUSCH is connected to 6 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
6 scenes / 7 dialogue linesISABEL VASQUEZ is listed as Teacher. Lively Puerto Rican woman, second grade teacher. In the parsed data, ISABEL VASQUEZ is connected to 5 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 33.
5 scenes / 8 dialogue linesCHARLES DEMETRAS is listed as Roberta's Ex-Husband. Naval officer who left Roberta. In the parsed data, CHARLES DEMETRAS is connected to 1 scene, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 26.
1 scenes / 6 dialogue linesRoberta is depressed in bed while her children argue outside.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta destroys a photo of her and her husband.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASAssunta deals with a delivery of violins while Roberta watches from above.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ASSUNTA GUASPARIThe living room is filled with violin cases.
NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASAssunta confronts Roberta about her behavior.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ASSUNTA GUASPARIAssunta encourages Roberta to get a job.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ASSUNTA GUASPARIRoberta encounters Brian Turner while working.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta and Brian discuss her past and potential job opportunities.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta arrives in East Harlem by taxi.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta interviews with Janet Williams.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMSRoberta returns with her sons to demonstrate their skill.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMS, DENNIS RAUSCHRoberta struggles to control a class of fifty students.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISA, DE SEAN, LUCYRoberta and Brian share a moment of intimacy.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta wakes up in Brian's bed, realizes she overslept, and discovers Brian is packing to leave for Texas for a research grant.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta confronts Brian about his sudden departure for Texas.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta and Brian have a tense conversation about their relationship status.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta struggles to maintain order while teaching her violin class.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISA, GUADALUPE, DE SEAN, LUCYRoberta clashes with Dennis over scheduling conflicts for her violin class.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, DENNIS RAUSCHRoberta tucks her sons into bed and discusses their father.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta instructs students on posture and notices Guadalupe's leg braces.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, GUADALUPE, DE SEAN, RAMON OLIVASNaeem's mother pulls him out of the violin program.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISARoberta feels depressed and looks at old family photos.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta is rebuffed by Alice Crowley when trying to pick up students.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASJanet advises Roberta on how to handle the other teachers.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMSRoberta teaches the students about hand positioning.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, GUADALUPE, DE SEAN, RAMON OLIVASRoberta receives a devastating phone call from Charles.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRAS, CHARLES DEMETRASRoberta and Brian discuss her marital situation over the phone.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta struggles with her heartbreak.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta watches her sons sleep.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta tries to speak with Janet, but Janet is busy.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMSRoberta encourages Guadalupe not to quit the violin.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, GUADALUPERoberta inspects a potential new apartment.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta meets Isabel Vasquez during lunch.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ISABEL VASQUEZRoberta and Nick look out the window of their new home.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRASRoberta talks to Nick about his father leaving, then struggles to explain the situation.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRASRoberta struggles with students who haven't practiced; Lucy reveals her grandmother died.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISA, DE SEAN, LUCYRoberta confronts Naeem's mother about letting him play the violin.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISARoberta and her sons find puppies at a market.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASThe boys bring home a puppy.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASNaeem rejoins the class and Lucy plays a jazz variation.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NAEEM ADISA, LUCYJanet and Mrs. Lamb confront Roberta about her teaching style.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMSRoberta tries to be nice to the students, but they prefer her old self.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, DE SEAN, LUCYRoberta says goodbye to her sons for the holidays.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta is lonely until Brian arrives.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRenovations begin on the new house.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNER, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASAssunta visits the construction site and expresses concern.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ASSUNTA GUASPARI, BRIAN TURNERRoberta and Assunta argue about the house and Brian.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ASSUNTA GUASPARIRoberta leads the class in practice.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, DE SEANRoberta and Brian argue about commitment.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERConstruction issues cause tension between Roberta and Brian.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNER, NICK DEMETRASNick gets into a fight.
NICK DEMETRASJanet suspends Nick.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMSNick acts out while Roberta teaches.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASBrian plays with the boys.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNER, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta and Brian discuss their future.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERRoberta returns home with her sons after a tense conversation with Brian. Nick and Lexi are upset, leading to a confrontation about the violin and the family's history.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta fires her contractors and breaks up with Brian due to his inability to commit.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, BRIAN TURNERThe students perform a successful concert, impressing the audience.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMS, DENNIS RAUSCH, NAEEM ADISA, GUADALUPE, DE SEANEstablishing shot of the school mural.
Roberta, Janet, and Dennis introduce the violin program to new students.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, JANET WILLIAMS, DENNIS RAUSCH, ISABEL VASQUEZ, RAMON OLIVAS, DOROTHEA VAN HAUFTENRoberta's home life with her sons and students.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASLexi is intimidated by Henry, who demands his bike.
LEXI DEMETRASRoberta teaches Rachel violin.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta drives her sons to retrieve Lexi's stolen bike.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta confronts an old woman to get the bike back.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASHenry returns the bike to Roberta.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, NICK DEMETRAS, LEXI DEMETRASRoberta announces the lottery results.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, ISABEL VASQUEZ, RAMON OLIVASStudents celebrate their acceptance.
RAMON OLIVASRoberta meets Dorothea, who gives her photos.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, DOROTHEA VAN HAUFTENRoberta teaches her advanced class.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta confronts Carlos about his missing violin and lack of commitment to the class.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, RAMON OLIVASRamon's parents argue about his violin lessons.
RAMON OLIVASRachel is teased for carrying her violin but reveals she got into Juilliard.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta instructs the beginner's class.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, RAMON OLIVASRamon practices violin while his brothers complain.
RAMON OLIVASRoberta manages the class and addresses Vanessa's missing violin.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, RAMON OLIVASRoberta helps Vanessa with her music sheet problem.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRamon tries to play for his father, who rejects him.
RAMON OLIVASRoberta arrives at school to find students crying.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRASRoberta tells the students about Justin's death.
ROBERTA GUASPARI-DEMETRAS, RAMON OLIVASKnock it off, De Sean! If you kids can't take this seriously, I don't want you here. I'm teaching you a difficult instrument because I respect you and have faith that you can learn it. But none of that matters if you don't have respect for yourself.
You know, I know this really cool lady who runs this elementary school -- I wrote a piece on her. It's a public school, but it's alternative -- she might be able to create some kind of gig for you. Let me give her a call.
It's hard to fit in when you're doing a special program. People figure you're not gonna be here very long, so why make the effort? It may take a while for folks to warm up, but nobody hates you.
Whenever you pull kids out, it's a disruption, plus it's extra work for the teacher 'cause they have to fill the kids in on what they missed. Some teachers resent it.
It's all your fault! You made Daddy leave and you're gonna make Brian leave too! You're gonna be all alone and I'll have to take care of you!
Well, you're right. This might all be for nothing. So we can either keep on rehearsing in case we find a place -- or we can just... give up.
You're gonna be fine. You have a job, a place to stay, your kids have a school to go to -- and there's a D'Agostino's around the corner.
What if you do a benefit concert? We can raise a batch of money from ticket sales, and then the concert itself could be great publicity.
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