Tia loves music. One day, she wanders into the white section of the town where she lives. Soon she is transfixed by a wonderful melody that drifts towards her from one of the houses. Without thinking, Tia accepts a maid's job from Miss Hartwell, the woman who lives there, just so she can hear more of the music. Once inside the house, Tia discovers something extraordinary - a big, black shiny piano. Now, more than anything else, Tia wants to learn to play that piano. Eventually, she convinces Miss Hartwell to teach her and they embark on a journey of discovery.