Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillians life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dreamhes determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he cant afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.

When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenlyseem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competitionthe Olympics of classical musicthe violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he’s lost a piece of himself.As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himselfand the worldthat no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.