the plot-less 'plot' (Spoilers I guess): A psychotic music instructor screams at his student calling him a FAGGOT throwing things at him to play faster and faster (not better mind you) eventually makes the kid so nervous he gets in an accident, then the kid plays a corny mid-tempo jazz number the end.

There ya go. That's the film. Unreal that this is getting such attention, even nominated for an Academy Award. Just goes to show how visceral elements such as cinematography and over-the-top acting can trick people into thinking something more is going on than actually is.

Final Note: Practice makes the master, having an escaped lunatic screaming in your ear while practicing drums will only prolong your attempt to get into 'the zone'.