Peter Goldsworth novella Maestro is based on adolescence and growing up. Keller (Maestro) educates Paul about the basis of life through music metaphors and Paul learns of other cultures and lives through Keller's experiences in Vienna. The book follows Paul from early adolescence into adulthood and depicts Paul learning and understanding about life.

Paul Crabbe's music lessons in Maestro with Keller do not only teach Paul the essence of music; they tutor him in the fundamentals of life. For Maestro, the grand piano is his sanctity and security, assisting him to deal with the horrors of the world; "safe beneath that grand piano," and likewise offering Eduard a method of destructing life. "Never trust the beautiful ... beauty simplifies" quotes Keller referring to music, also relating to the world. Goldsworth typifies beauty as a facade, a means...