The year is 1965, and Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), a composer convinced he is destined to write an historic opus, takes a job as a music teacher to pay the bills. Unbeknownst to him, it is the next 30 years, spent as an instructor, that will define his life. His passionate teaching motivates and even changes a number of his students. However, Holland suffers a tragedy in his personal life-his young son Cole is deaf, and thus unable to fully appreciate the joys of music. As a result, Holland concentrates more on his students than on his own child. But when Holland finally realizes the extent of his neglect, the teacher must learn to accept his son's handicap and give him the love and guidance he deserves.