Music of the Heart (1999)

Based on the true story of Roberta Guaspari-Tzavaras and her passion for teaching. A single mother of two young children, whose husband left her for a family friend, leaves the security of her small hometown and moves to East Harlem and begins teaching violin to support her family. She didn't have extensive experience to offer the school; she had her talent, her determination, and her violins. At first, the kids, the parents, and the principal were skeptical. But, Roberta taught with such passion that it was infectious and soon her young violinists were manifesting incredible results--they were making beautiful, sophisticated music. The children proved to be dedicated, bright and disciplined young musicians. Despite her success, after 10 years of teaching, the Board of Education eliminates her position due to budget cuts, Roberta fights back and refuses to stop. Instead she starts her own non-profit organization to fund a violin program for three East Harlem public schools.