Marioni puts Matteo to the test, asking him to play first violin in the Brahms symphony, together with the entire orchestra. Later, Domenico tells him about someone who had crumbled under Marioni's harsh treatment.

A colleague of Marioni's chides him for having treated Matteo as he did. He tries to justify his actions, and then goes to have a word with Rosario, a percussion student.

Matteo is at home with his uncle, doing a tricky jigsaw puzzle and ready for dinner. Even though it is clear to Matteo that his uncle is gay, his uncle is very uncomfortable talking about it. Matteo lets his uncle know that there is a girl he likes.

Barbara is practicing piano in the presence of her mother, who tries to encourage her. Little by little Barbara manages to focus on the music, and perhaps not only the music. Another pianist is playing the same piece in a music store. He might be there because he has no piano at home.

Sara is home at dinner arguing with her mother who finds her unbearable. Sara's phone rings with an audio cue indicating the caller. Robbo and his sister Chiara are going home on the tram when, out the window, they see someone they think they recognize.

Sofia is practicing cello when her brother asks her for a favor. His girlfriend Ilaria comments on Sofia's weight.

Sofia goes up to the roof to practice her cello, but ends up singing a song (in English). When Maestro Marioni gets home from an amorous encounter, he watches a video where Matteo's previous violin teacher introduces him and explains his special situation.

The kids continue to practice their instruments and go to lessons, but there's no shortage of love dramas and first kisses. Sara is dealing with her ex who just won't accept the breakup. And as before, she leans on Matteo.

The conservatory orchestra learns that the world-famous conductor, Ruggero Fiore, will be coming in just a few days to work with them and even give a public performance. With little time to prepare, Marioni asks for total commitment.

After Marioni assigns the orchestra parts to play with the guest conductor, there are some moments of tension between Matteo and Nathan. As a few students gather outside the conservatory, they see Giacomo, an ex-student.

Marioni manages to reach Giacomo to tell him that he's sorry for how things turned out but also to encourage him to move on with his life. Matteo goes to talk to the new psychologist but puts up his defenses by saying that he doesn't talk much.

After the meeting with the psychologist, Matteo meets up with his uncle, who invites him out for un aperitivo (a drink). At the pub, Matteo teases his uncle because the waiter happens to be an ex-boyfriend of his.

When Marioni gets home, he finds Irene waiting for him in her car. She knows Giacomo had shown up at school. The next morning, there is a rehearsal of the orchestra, followed by the Mozart sonata for two pianos, played by Barbara and Domenico.

Maestro Marioni listens to Domenico and Barbara play and is very harsh in his criticism of the girl's playing. Despite her friends being supportive of her, Barbara decides to go home to study instead of going out after the rehearsal.