In Sardinia in 1968, eleven-year-old Alba Fresu's brother and father are abducted by criminals. The two are eventually released, but the experience leaves Alba unable to readjust to normal life. Accompanying her mother to cleaning jobs, Alba visits the villa of an eccentric signora and touches the keys of a piano for the first time. The instrument's spell is immediate. During secret lessons, Alba finally learns to express her emotions through music. Alba accepts a scholarship to the Rome Accademia. There she immerses herself in a world of art. But Alba will have to reconcile the past she fled with her longing for love and family to fully convey the music of her heart.