What is the theme in The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather?

The idea of coming of age is a theme used frequently in novels. Stories with this theme generally begin when the main character is a small child and follow this child through its formative years. In the case of "The Song of the Lark" Cather traces the development of a great singer from her childhood to the achievement of her success. When Thea begins her journey she is the daughter of a Methodist minister growing up in a small town. She takes piano lessons from Wunsch, an old broken down man who was once a professional musician.