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. 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.
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?