Films About Music Students
Films about music students often explore themes of passion, dedication, competition, and the struggles that come with pursuing a career in music. These films provide a glimpse into the lives of aspiring musicians, showcasing their artistic journeys, the relationships they build, and the challenges they face within both their personal and professional realms. From heartfelt dramas to intense thrillers, these films capture the essence of what it means to be a music student, highlighting the transformative power of music and the sacrifices made in its pursuit.
“Whiplash”, 2013
Director: Damien Chazelle
A gripping drama about an ambitious young drummer, Andrew, who enrolls in a prestigious music conservatory and faces the ruthless and demanding instructor, Fletcher. The film explores the extremes of ambition and the cost of greatness in the world of music.
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang, Chris Mulkey, Damon Gupton, Suanne Spoke, Max Kasch, Charlie Ian, Jayson Blair, Kofi Siriboe, Kavita Patil, C.J. Vana, Tarik Lowe, Tyler Kimball, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Adrian Burks, Calvin C. Winbush, Joseph Bruno, Michael Cohen, Jocelyn Ayanna, Keenan Henson, Janet Hoskins, April Grace, Clifton «Fou Fou» Eddie, Marcus Henderson, Tony Baker, Henry G. Sanders, Sam Campisi, Jimmie Kirkpatrick, Keenan Allen, Ayinde Vaughan, Shai Golan, Yancey Wells, Candace Roberge, Krista Kilber, Shannon Adawn, Cici Leah Campbell, Damien Coates, Ellee Jane Hounsell, Stephen Hsu, Herman Johansen, Brittany Paige, Wendee Lee, Dakota Lupo, Jesse Mitchell, Arnold Montey, Amanda Noriko Newman;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
“The Pianist”, 2002
Director: Roman Polanski
While not solely focused on music students, this biographical drama follows the life of Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman during World War II. It highlights his early music education and the profound impact music has on survival and identity.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox, Daniel Caltagirone, Ed Stoppard, Maureen Lipman, Frank Finlay, Jessica Kate Meyer, Julia Rayner, Thomas Kretschmann, Michał Żebrowski, Wanja Mues, Richard Ridings, Nomi Sharron, Anthony Milner, Lucy Skeaping, Roddy Skeaping, Ben Harlan, Thomas Lawinky, Joachim Paul Assböck, Roy Smiles, Paul Bradley, Andrzej Blumenfeld, Darian Wawer, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Lejb Fogelman, Detlev von Wangenheim, Popeck, Zofia Czerwinska, Emilio Fernandez, Udo Kroschwald, Uwe Rathsam, Joanna Brodzik, Katarzyna Bargielowska, Maja Ostaszewska, John Bennett, Cyril Shaps, Wojciech Smolarz, Lech Mackiewicz, Ruth Platt, Frank-Michael Köbe, Torsten Flach, Peter Rappenglück, Ronan Vibert, Christoph Pieczynski, Katarzyna Figura, Valentine Pelka, Andrew Tiernan, Tom Strauss, Cezary Kosinski, Grzegorz Artman;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, war, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 149 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “The Pianist” on the website imdb.com
“A Star Is Born”, 2018
Director: Bradley Cooper
This romantic musical drama follows the journey of a young singer-songwriter, Ally, who is mentored by seasoned musician Jackson Maine. Although more focused on Ally's rise to fame, it delves into the challenges faced by aspiring artists in the music industry.
Starring: Lady GaGa, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay, Anthony Ramos, Rafi Gavron, Greg Grunberg, Alec Baldwin, Marlon Williams, Brandi Carlile, Ron Rifkin, Barry Shabaka Henley, Michael D. Roberts, Michael Harney, Rebecca Field, Derek Kevin Jones, Willam Belli, Dennis Tong, Josh Wells, D.J. «Shangela» Pierce, Eddie Griffin, Drena De Niro, Sanaa Chappelle, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Jacob Schick, Gabe Fazio, Benjamin Rice, Halsey, William H. Slattery III, Robert S. Wilhelm Jr., Luenell, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Lukas Nelson, Anthony LoGerfo, Alberto Bof, Corey McCormick, Jesse Berg, Tato Melgar, Don Was, Victor Indrizzo, George Doering, Michael Bearden, Lenny Castro, Chris Kelly, Don Roy King, Gena Rositano, Greg Scarnici, Michael Mancini;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: melodrama, music, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “A Star Is Born” on the website imdb.com
“School of Rock”, 2003
Director: Richard Linklater
A comedy about a wannabe rock star, Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. He forms a band with his students, showcasing their musical talents and the joy of rock music.
Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Chris Stack, Lucas Babin, Jordan-Claire Green, Veronica Afflerbach, Miranda Cosgrove, Joey Gaydos Jr., Robert Tsai, Angelo Massagli, Kevin Alexander Clark, Maryam Hassan, Caitlin Hale, Cole Hawkins, Brian Falduto, James Hosey, Aleisha Allen, Z Infante, Rivkah Reyes, Jaclyn Neidenthal, Suzzanne Douglas, Eron Otcasek, Carlos Velazquez, Kimberly Grigsby, Lee Wilkof, Kate McGregor-Stewart, Wally Dunn, Tim Hopper, Michael Dominguez-Rudolph, Crash Cortez, Nicky Katt, John Highsmith, Heather Goldenhersh, Timothy «Speed» Levitch, Scott Graham, Sharon Washington, Kim Brockington, Marty Murphy, Kathleen McNenny, Joanna Adler, Robert Lin, Barry Shurchin, MacIntyre Dixon, Amy Sedaris, Mary Fortune, Mandy Siegfried;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “School of Rock” on the website imdb.com
“Fame”, 2009
Director: Kevin Tancharoen
This musical drama follows a group of students at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, exploring their challenges and triumphs in dance, music, and acting. The film celebrates the dedication and passion of young artists.
Starring: Kay Panabaker, Walter Perez, Naturi Naughton, Asher Monroe, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Kristy Flores, Paul McGill, Bebe Neuwirth, Paul Iacono, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Megan Mullally, Debbie Allen, Cody Anthony, Julius Tennon, April Grace, Michael Hyatt, Laura Johnson, James Read, Ryan Surratt, Howard Gutman, Dale Godboldo, J.T. Horenstein, Stephanie Mace, Patrick Censoplano, Donte «Burger» Winston, Hopsin, Ak'Sent, Tynisha Keli, Kate Mulligan, Don Smith, Earl Carroll, Oren Waters, Tim Jo, Michael Eric Reid, Leslie Ishii, Gavin Turek, Paulina Gretzky, Alex Liddy, Bre Morgan, Anastasia Boissier, Kasha Kropinski, Jessie Sherman, Jeremy Hudson, Mallauri Esquibel, Annika Daniel, Sophia Daniel, Tiffany Espensen;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5;
“Cadillac Records”, 2008
Director: Darnell Martin
This biographical drama chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its artists, including Muddy Waters and Etta James. It provides insight into the music industry while showcasing the students and musicians striving to make their mark.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric the Entertainer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eamonn Walker, Yasiin Bey, Beyoncé, Josh Alscher, Tim Bellow, Tony Bentley, Tammy Blanchard, Eric Bogosian, Marc Bonan, Douglas Crosby, Dexter Darden, Veronika Dash, Sean Shyboy Davis, Eshaya Draper, Shiloh Fernandez, Jill Flint, Eric Frandsen, Gano Grills, Suzette Gunn, Jordan Haynes, William Hill, Mike Hodge, Tyler Humphrey, Osas Ighodaro, Kevin Jackson, Albert Jones, Rayan Lawrence, Chyna Layne, Kevin Mambo, Aaron Munoz, Wade Mylius, Rebecca Pappa, Jonathan Earl Peck, Q-Tip, Ginnie Randall, Ashlee Ray, Norman Reedus, Jake Robards, Jay O. Sanders, Samuel Smith, Valence Thomas, Carmen Ziina Vasquez, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kade Alexie;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Cadillac Records” on the website imdb.com
“The Soloist”, 2009
Director: Joe Wright
Based on a true story, this film follows a journalist who discovers a homeless musical prodigy, Nathaniel Ayers, who studied at Juilliard. It highlights the intersection of music, mental health, and friendship.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Nelsan Ellis, Rachael Harris, Stephen Root, Lorraine Toussaint, Justin Martin, Kokayi Ampah, Patrick Tatten, Susane Lee, Marcos De Silvas, Ilia Volokh, Michael Bunin, Mike Nowak, Jena Malone, Octavia Spencer, David Jean Thomas, Lemon, Kevin Michael Key, Moya Brady, Orlando Ashley, Artel Kayàru, J.J. Boone, Annie McKnight, Bernadette Speakes, Anna Levin, Steve Foster, Vivian George, Kevin Cohen, Courtney Andre, Teri Hughes, Linda Harris, Albert Olson, Melissa Black, Valarie Hudspeth, Darryl Black Sr., Kiana Parker, Hazard Banner, Russell Brown, Kenneth Henry, Jacqueline Sue West, Joyre Manuel, Lorinda Hawkins Smith, Annette Valley, Patrick Kelly, Quiana Farrow, Tony Genaro;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“August Rush”, 2007
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
A drama about an orphaned musical prodigy, Evan, who believes he can find his lost parents through music. The film showcases the journey of a young musician discovering his talent and the power of music to connect people.
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, William Sadler, Marian Seldes, Mykelti Williamson, Leon G. Thomas III, Aaron Staton, Alex O'Loughlin, Jamia Simone Nash, Ronald Guttman, Bonnie McKee, Michael Drayer, Jamie O'Keefe, Becki Newton, Tyler McGuckin, Megan Gallagher, Anais Martinez, Bilal Bishop, Michael R. Hammonds II, Timmy Mitchum, Henry Caplan, John Knox, Amy V. Dewhurst, Victor Verhaeghe, Darrie Lawrence, Sean Haberle, Jamal Joseph, Robert Aberdeen, Georgia Creighton, Joshua Jaymz Doss, Craig Johnson, Dominic Colón, Zach Page, Charles Mack, Amma Agyapon, Adia Beckford, Dietrice A. Bolden, Dina Gardener, Luther Isler, Raymond Johnson, Joyce Walker Joseph, Willana Mack, Lamar Antwon Robinson, Talif Showers, Carlton Taylor, Yvette Bodrick, Crystal A. Elliott;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, music, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “August Rush” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a rich tapestry of narratives centered around music students, offering insights into their aspirations, struggles, and the transformative impact of music on their lives.
In the world of films about music students, we are transported into a realm where the power of music transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul. From the iconic classics like “Fame” and “Whiplash” to the modern masterpieces like “La La Land” and “Whiplash”, these films illuminate the struggles, triumphs, and passion of music students in a way that resonates with audiences across generations. Through the lens of these films, we witness the dedication, sacrifice, and sheer brilliance of these young musicians as they navigate the complexities of their art and their lives. Each film offers a unique melody, harmonizing the pursuit of excellence with the raw emotion of artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape and our hearts.
