Nodame Cantabile Series by Tomoko Ninomiya

The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame... moreThe son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is. less

THE COMPETITION HEATS UP There�s a new kid in town, and Nodame had better be on guard. Her new rival plays timpani like a dream�and has the hots for Nodame�s crush, Shinichi Chiaki. Plus, a wretched old man has his eyes (and hands) on Nodame. It�s a lot to handle, for a girl who has trouble just keeping her room clean. . . . Shinichi has his own problems. A famous conductor starts a new orchestra at school, and Shinichi finally gets his chance to conduct... moreTHE COMPETITION HEATS UP There�s a new kid in town, and Nodame had better be on guard. Her new rival plays timpani like a dream�and has the hots for Nodame�s crush, Shinichi Chiaki. Plus, a wretched old man has his eyes (and hands) on Nodame. It�s a lot to handle, for a girl who has trouble just keeping her room clean. . . . Shinichi has his own problems. A famous conductor starts a new orchestra at school, and Shinichi finally gets his chance to conduct. But he soon discovers there�s more to the craft than just following notes on a page. Could this hard lesson unexpectedly turn his life around and change his destiny? Take a look into Nodame�s world and find out! less

MUSICAL DISSONANCE Student prodigy Shinichi Chiaki just can�t shake Nodame, no matter how hard he tries. Now he is forced to tutor her and Mine all night. So much for music being comforting! Then Shinichi gets a golden opportunity: the chance to temporarily fill in for Maestro Stresemann as conductor for the S orchestra. But after an unfortunate mishap, the maestro defects to the A orchestra and challenges Shinichi to a public-performance duel... moreMUSICAL DISSONANCE Student prodigy Shinichi Chiaki just can�t shake Nodame, no matter how hard he tries. Now he is forced to tutor her and Mine all night. So much for music being comforting! Then Shinichi gets a golden opportunity: the chance to temporarily fill in for Maestro Stresemann as conductor for the S orchestra. But after an unfortunate mishap, the maestro defects to the A orchestra and challenges Shinichi to a public-performance duel. With only weeks to prepare, can members of the inexperienced S orchestra pull themselves together to rival the confidence of the A orchestra? It�s going to take a lot of hard work�and inspiration from a certain free-spirited girl with a crush. The battle Shinichi can�t afford to lose has begun! less

DIS-BAND CAMP Milch may be down, but he’s definitely not out. In fact, he’s back to take (or is it to force?) the gang to participate in the Nagano Music Festival. In preparation for the festival, the students go to a band camp where they do much more than just play music... moreDIS-BAND CAMP Milch may be down, but he’s definitely not out. In fact, he’s back to take (or is it to force?) the gang to participate in the Nagano Music Festival. In preparation for the festival, the students go to a band camp where they do much more than just play music. Chiaki confronts his fear of the ocean; Mine spends his time getting a tan worth singing about; and Nodame the “orangutan,” after the humiliation of getting kicked out of a master class, gets set to prove that she can really play the piano. There are plenty of high jinks–and nobody gets away unscathed. Plus, there’s a hilarious extra story that takes us back to Nodame’s childhood, as she drives her piano teacher insane with bad jokes and month-old sandwiches. With Nodame, expect the unexpected from beginning to end! less

AN ORCHESTRAL ORDEAL Chiaki is beyond ecstatic. Maestro Stresemann has decided to conduct the A orchestra and has asked Chiaki to join him. But who will lead the S orchestra? Drastic measures mean a hilarious concert, and a festival to remember. From the student body to the faculty, the whole school is abuzz with anticipation... moreAN ORCHESTRAL ORDEAL Chiaki is beyond ecstatic. Maestro Stresemann has decided to conduct the A orchestra and has asked Chiaki to join him. But who will lead the S orchestra? Drastic measures mean a hilarious concert, and a festival to remember. From the student body to the faculty, the whole school is abuzz with anticipation. Nodame is playing a piano concerto, Chiaki is also tickling the ivories (and honored to be lead by the Great Master), and the S orchestra is just thrilled to be part of the program. Of course the real excitement begins the night before the musical event. . . . Plus, there’s a special story about Chiaki’s first meeting with Sebastiano Viera. You won’t want to miss it! less

HIGH HOPES AND SOUR NOTES After Momogaoka Music University’s festival, Classic Life magazine runs a big story on Shinichi’s amazing conducting performance. But since graduation, he’s feeling frustrated–and not because he still has a fear of flying (despite the work of a determined hypnotherapist!) Shinichi wonders what the future holds. Then a chance meeting leads the music prodigy into a whole new direction . . . in Japan... moreHIGH HOPES AND SOUR NOTES After Momogaoka Music University’s festival, Classic Life magazine runs a big story on Shinichi’s amazing conducting performance. But since graduation, he’s feeling frustrated–and not because he still has a fear of flying (despite the work of a determined hypnotherapist!) Shinichi wonders what the future holds. Then a chance meeting leads the music prodigy into a whole new direction . . . in Japan. Meanwhile, when Nodame visits Shinichi’s family, no one escapes unscathed. Maybe that’s why the friendship between Nodame and Shinichi is threatened–and could mean the end of Nodame’s Cantabile! less

A STUNNING DEBUT Shinichi has always wanted to conduct his own group of musicians. Now, with the Rising Star Orchestra, his dream is becoming a reality. But there are many challenges to overcome: delayed rehearsals, too many soloists vying for the spotlight, and arguments over what piece of music they should play. Meanwhile, Nodame has troubles of her own... moreA STUNNING DEBUT Shinichi has always wanted to conduct his own group of musicians. Now, with the Rising Star Orchestra, his dream is becoming a reality. But there are many challenges to overcome: delayed rehearsals, too many soloists vying for the spotlight, and arguments over what piece of music they should play. Meanwhile, Nodame has troubles of her own. Etoh-sensei is trying to give her piano lessons, but she wants nothing to do with him! Nodame would much rather be helping her friend Shinichi–now that a grand hall has been reserved for the Rising Star Orchestra’s big debut . . . and Shinichi must prepare for the biggest show of his life! less

THE FUTURE IS CALLING It’s showtime for Shinichi’s new Rising Star Orchestra. Renowned critics and famous musicians have gathered to see the debut performance. Meanwhile, Nodame is playing hypnotist on Shinichi, trying to cure him of his fear of flying. After all, she wants her true love to be able to perform abroad... moreTHE FUTURE IS CALLING It’s showtime for Shinichi’s new Rising Star Orchestra. Renowned critics and famous musicians have gathered to see the debut performance. Meanwhile, Nodame is playing hypnotist on Shinichi, trying to cure him of his fear of flying. After all, she wants her true love to be able to perform abroad. But will the concert take Shinichi’s career to the next level? And if Nodame succeeds in freeing Shinichi of his panic attacks, will she be left behind? It’s anybody’s guess in this symphony of conflicted decisions, crushes, and pianos! less

MUSIC TO THE EARS Nodame’s grueling lessons with her teacher have paid off: At last she agrees to play in a piano competition. Too bad there’s not enough time for Nodame to learn all the required pieces. . . . Meanwhile, Shinichi has mysteriously overcome his fear of flying and finally decided to go to Europe to further his musical studies. Out of the blue, he asks Nodame to join him–but she turns him down. Determined Shinichi travels to Nodame’s hometown... moreMUSIC TO THE EARS Nodame’s grueling lessons with her teacher have paid off: At last she agrees to play in a piano competition. Too bad there’s not enough time for Nodame to learn all the required pieces. . . . Meanwhile, Shinichi has mysteriously overcome his fear of flying and finally decided to go to Europe to further his musical studies. Out of the blue, he asks Nodame to join him–but she turns him down. Determined Shinichi travels to Nodame’s hometown. Will the challenge prove too great, once he finds out about Nodame’s strange past–and her wacky family? less

FRENCH CONNECTION! Nodame and Chiaki are studying music in Paris–but the real drama is happening outside the classroom! As Chiaki’s life is about to take a surprising turn, Nodame makes a new friend, a homesick Chinese exchange student. And it’s not long before Nodame and her buddy land in a heap of trouble at the local Italian restaurant.

VIVE L’AMOUR?Paris is full of young lovers and aspiring artists. Nodame and Chiaki happen to be both, but soon they may have to make a choice! It seems that the more time Nodame spends with Chiaki, the more her piano playing hits a sour note. Will Nodame have to choose between music and love?

CRASH AND BURNNodame and Chiaki are spending Christmas in Paris . . . but not together. Nodame is performing in a nativity play while Chiaki is alone, brooding over the past. But when they see each other again, the sparks fly–threatening to ignite a fire that could destroy their romance forever!

DREAM COME TRUE? All Chiaki ever wanted was to become a great conductor, and now it’s finally happening: He’s leading his own orchestra. He’s worked hard to get this far, but he still has so much to do. His musicians are sloppy, unmotivated, and out of practice. Chiaki’s ready to devote his life to making his dreams come true–but will they include Nodame, the girl who loves him?

MOZART COSPLAY RECITAL? Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxation, but life-changing events are in store for Nodame and her friends. She’s about to play her very first recital–at the château of a Mozart-obsessed, cosplay-loving Frenchman! Meanwhile, Chiaki is making big plans for his orchestra, Kuroki is rehearsing for a major audition, and Tanya is looking for love in all the wrong places. How will they ever survive this summer “vacation”?

SUFFERING FOR HIS ART Chiaki is gearing up for his first season as a conductor. The auditions were arduous enough, but that was only the beginning. With one disastrous performance behind him, Chiaki is driving his orchestra over the edge with his passionate perfectionism. Will he inspire his jaded musicians to soar, or will they just crash and burn again? Includes special extras after the story!

The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame... moreThe son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is. less

Capriccioso and cantabile – capriciously, in a smooth, singing style. This is a classical music comedy about the oddball Megumi Noda, otherwise known as Nodame.

Capriccioso and cantabile – capriciously, in a smooth, singing style. This is a classical music comedy about the oddball Megumi Noda, otherwise known as Nodame.

It's competition time, and Tanya struggles on, while Kiyora continues her steady advance. But what about Nodame, who watches on? It's the second round of the preliminaries at the Cantona International Music Competition. A string of solid performances take Kiyora on her way to the finals, but will Tanya be able to show what she's really made of on stage? Meanwhile, when Nodame spectates at the competition, she encounters the piece she knows was meant for her... moreIt's competition time, and Tanya struggles on, while Kiyora continues her steady advance. But what about Nodame, who watches on? It's the second round of the preliminaries at the Cantona International Music Competition. A string of solid performances take Kiyora on her way to the finals, but will Tanya be able to show what she's really made of on stage? Meanwhile, when Nodame spectates at the competition, she encounters the piece she knows was meant for her. She dreams of playing this Ravel concerto with Chiaki one day, but a cruel coincidence awaits her... less

Chiaki and Rui's performance together was a shock to Nodame. It spooked her so bad she went and proposed to Chiaki – and then he shot her down. Milch invites her to join him in a performance, but after that, she disappears... Unawares, Chiaki and Nodame have drifted apart, but the tides of fate will come to assault them once more. A shocking new volume!

Nodame made her shocking debut in a performance with Stresemann, but will the concerto that so enchanted her audience lead her to paradise – or was that show the gate to hell? Chiaki worries about Nodame after her quiet disappearance, but there's nothing he can do. Where will these tides lead them?