A Special Performance by the Author

Music, Love, and Survival
Part 1: Piano Lessons

In this part of her performance, Mona describes Lisa’s last lesson with her piano teacher, Professor Isseles. Lisa plays Beethoven’s "Moonlight" Sonata and a Scherzo by Chopin. Then the professor tells Lisa that he will no longer be able to teach her because she is Jewish.

Questions to Discuss With Students

• Mona emphasizes a “few precious words” that her grandmother told her mother: “Hold on to your music. It will be your best friend in life.” What gifts do you think your parents or grandparents would most want you to hold on to?
• When Lisa’s piano teacher says he can no longer teach her because of a new law against Jews, he adds, “and I am not a brave man.” What things might he have done if he were brave? Why do you think he didn’t do those things?

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