Although music is an integral part of Maestro, the novel is essentially a story about a boy's journey into adulthood. Maestro shows us that maturity is gained only through suffering as the novel focuses on the coming of age of Paul Crabbe, who is led on a journey of personal discovery.
             In the beginning of the novel Paul is corrupted by pride and the idea that he is great, he might even think he is almost perfect. This self-satisfaction does wonders to boost his ego, as he predicts instant fame and fortune will come to him. When he first meets Keller, he acts as if he knows everything, but Keller mocks him constantly with such comments as, "you know so much for your age...and so little", and won't give in to his superficial ideals. Paul is at the crossroads between childhood and adulthood and draws on his experiences, relationships and interactions with other characters to teach him invaluable lessons. Paul particularly draws on his music teacher Herr Eduard Keller, his parents and their musical influence, and also his peers to determine his direction in life. Music is an on-going and interweaving motif throughout the novel, and is also the most important one. Music is the glue which bonds many relationships in the novel; Paul and Rosie's, Paul and the band's, Paul and Mr Keller, and Paul's parents. Through music, Paul was able to learn a lot - mostly from Keller
             In the beginning we are shown that Paul already has very little respect towards Herr Eduard Keller. Before Paul had even the chance to speak to Keller, he is already judging him by his appearance:
             "a boozer's incandescent glow. The pitted, sun-coursed skin a cheap ruined leather."
             This shows Paul's arrogance. Paul's attitude towards Keller changes however towards the end of 1967 and he starts to gain a little bit of respect for him but, as Paul is commonly known to act, he tries to impress Keller in order to gain some resp...