Review: Big Music
Big Music swept me up from the very first page, taking me back to my own memories of university life in Brisbane. The blend of academic politics, musical genius, and raw human conflict is so vividly drawn that it’s impossible not to get transported into the heady world of music. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s experienced the beautiful mess that is university life, especially if Brisbane has ever been a part of your journey.
Turalong Music School feels like a microcosm of a real university, with its rich, often tangled mix of intellectualism, competition, and tradition. From the moments of Beat's daily routine to the chaotic, melodious sounds of saxophones and electric guitars echoing through the halls, the reader feels enveloped in this world.
What makes the story particularly nostalgic for anyone who has lived or studied in Brisbane is its use of the city’s iconic scenery as more than just a backdrop. The novel’s references to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the intricacies of the city streets root the book firmly in its setting. These spaces, familiar and calming, stand in contrast to the chaos Beat faces within the music school, providing the reader with moments of respite—much like the gardens do for Brisbane’s students. It reminded me of many a busy university day spent walking through the gardens between classes, when the quiet was a welcome relief from all the pressures of academic life.
One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its portrayal of the music world as something chaotic, emotional, and deeply political—an institution full of larger-than-life personalities, egos, and conflicting visions. It doesn’t shy away from the gender biases, romantic conflicts, and betrayals Beat endures. Her journey is about so much more than just music; it’s about carving a space for yourself in a world that doesn’t always welcome change, and that’s something that resonated with me.
Big Music is a novel that feels deeply rooted in Brisbane, yet universal in its themes of ambition, creativity, and finding one’s place in a world that’s often stacked against you.
I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone who loves stories of perseverance, artistic passion, and the struggle to find balance in life. Whether you’re someone with a passion for music or just love a story about overcoming institutional and personal challenges, this novel is for you.
Rikki-Mae Stevens is a book reviewer and editor, majoring in Entertainment Industries at QUT, with a passion for exploring storytelling across different media.