She is determined to teach violin to kids in inner-city Harlem. Her students come from very difficult conditions, and many of their teachers have written them off entirely. Nonetheless, Roberta is convinced that she can truly make a difference in their lives. Unfortunately, those in the school system do not have much faith in her vision, and she faces a great struggle as she tries to convince them that what she wants to do is worthwhile. At great personal cost, she presses on, all in the hopes of giving these children a true glimpse of beauty that will sustain them in the many difficulties that lie ahead for them in their rough and tumble lives.