There Are No Piano Lessons in the Projects

by Adam West, Peggy Fragopoulos (Foreword)

Everyone has a story. Some make the front page, while others remain hidden under lock and key.
For the residents of the Elm Street housing projects, most would prefer their stories stay buried.
Everything changes in the summer of 1985 when Noah Greene moves into Cellblock 16.
In a neighborhood shaped by hardship and quiet perseverance, Noah forms an unlikely friendship with a World War II veteran carrying burdens of his own. What begins as a simple connection becomes a journey of mentorship, memory, and self-discovery.
Through the stories of the past, Noah learns that the most meaningful lessons are rarely found in classrooms. Instead, they are forged through experience, resilience, and the people who shape our lives when we least expect it.

267 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2026

About the author

Adam West is an avid reader and keen observer of human nature who brings nearly three decades of experience in education to his writing. Over the course of a 29-year career, he has served as both a teacher and a high school basketball coach for more than twenty years. He has also published educational articles and developed online learning content for students and educators. A graduate of Tennessee Tech University, Adam currently serves as the Future Ready Online Coordinator for Putnam County Schools in Tennessee. While much of his career has focused on professional reports and curriculum development, There Are No Piano Lessons in the Projects marks his first venture into personal, reflective storytelling. Adam lives in Tennessee with his wife,Sara Beth. They are the proud parents of Christy, Tyrus, and Peyton.

Reviews

[Adam West]

As the author of this book, I read and reread the manuscript countless times until I felt it had the potential to enlighten and inspire readers about the importance of teachers, mentors, and the strength of community among those living in poverty.
You see, in the projects there were rules, perhaps not written down, but understood by everyone. Life was never defined by what we didn't have; it was defined by what we did have. We had people who looked out for one another, taught life lessons, and helped shape who we would become.
If you give this book a chance, I believe you will discover a story that may change your attitude, broaden your perspective, and remind you of the impact that ordinary people can have on the lives of others.

[Stephanie]

You will see parts of yourself in this story…. You as a child and how people made you feel; and you as an adult and how you make other people feel. I loved everything about the way this is written ! It warmed my jaded heart !!!!

[Madison Davis]

What a story! I loved the lessons at the end summed up from the whole book. It was a beautiful story. Every educator should read!