10 Of The Best... films about kids learning music

09 September 2014

Inspiring music teachers, talented kids, musical prodigies... the big screen has them all. We pick ten of the best films about music education...

1. Sister Act II: Back In The Habit

The sequel to Sister Act sees Whoopi Goldberg return to St. Francis School to help the staff of nuns save the school – by preparing a group of talented musical pupils (including Lauryn Hill) for the all-state choir championship.

2. School of Rock

Impersonating a friend to earn money, wannabe rockstar Jack Black becomes supply teacher to a class of talented high-achievers and trains them up to become his new band members.

3. Mr. Holland's Opus

Frustrated composer Glenn Holland dreams of success but finds unexpected fulfilment sharing his passion for music as a high-school music teacher.

4. Fame

The original film inspired many a future star with its story following the highs and lows of group of students at New York City's High School for the Performing Arts.

5. High School Musical

The High School Musical trilogy launched the careers of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens with its tale of a school basketball star and shy new girl who share a secret passion for singing – and each other.

6. Music of the Heart

Meryl Streep stars as the school teacher fighting against the system to teach the violin to underprivileged kids in inner-city Harlem. Based on a true story.

7. Sound of Music

Much-loved musical set in Austria in which a former nun becomes a governess and brings new joy into the lives her charges, the Von Trapp children, by teaching them how to sing.

8. Drumline

Furious drum-stick action sets the beat in this film about a cocky but talented street drummer who must adapt to the different rules of playing in a university marching band.

9. Mozart's Sister

The fictionalised story of Mozart's talented teenage sister whose ambitions are thwarted by her family, gender and the growing fame of her younger brother.