In Germany during the 1700s, the oldest son inherits the farm, leaving the rest to find their own way of making a living. August Ziegler has an older brother.August enjoys wood carving. And his father, also the church organist, has taught all of his children to love music.Those two interests lead August to ask his father if he can attend the prestigious Kloz violin making school. He is accepted as an apprentice at age ten.August excels in his classes and is liked by everyone. Except Otto, the other apprentice. Two years older than August, Otto is a bully. He takes a special dislike of August.By age 14, August is ready to try creating his own violin. The challenging project is made almost impossible by Otto's determination to sabotage August's work.