Program Students
Students in the 2026 Program
Darius Brokenborough
Darius is 17 years old. He was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, and has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 9 years. He began piano at the age of 7 because a teacher saw his passion for music and entertaining. He was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at a very young age. Darius loves playing in bands and ensembles. He especially loves rocking out with others. He plays multiple instruments including bass guitar and drums. Some of his hobbies are making YouTube videos about Angry Birds, or other toys with his own voice over work. He has also started making his own cartoon stories for fun.
Milosz Gasior
Milosz Gasior is a 22-year-old pianist and advocate for inclusion. Diagnosed with moderate to severe autism at age 2.5, he has become an award-winning artist whose life and music continue to break barriers. He made history as the first piano major with autism to graduate from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in the school’s 35-year history and holds the honorary title “Mr. Inspirational,” awarded by HELP US Gather (HUG). He has performed nationally and internationally, including appearances in Chicago, Washington, DC (Polish Consulate), and across Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Rzeszow, and other cities). His performances at major cultural institutions and public venues include Ars Sonora at the University of Tampa, the James Museum of Western Art and Culture, the Tampa Museum of Art, The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Tampa International Airport (four consecutive holiday seasons), and the Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights series. Milosz’s story was featured at TEDx in April 2024, and a documentary about his life is currently in production.
Matthew Miller
Matthew attended local public schools in El Paso, Texas. Matthew’s musical journey began when his parents enrolled him in private piano lessons. School counselors at his elementary school advised his parents that they believed Matthew lacked dexterity or focus for such endeavors and that he would become frustrated, given his Autism diagnosis. Matthew persisted in his piano studies and went on to perform in many public recitals. Matthew is currently a senior at the University of Texas, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies. Matthew believes that music is the key to a happier and more fulfilling existence – especially when shared with others. Matthew has an abiding interest in Astronomy, Earth-like exoplanets, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Matthew releases music on various streaming platforms under the artist name ElectroKosmikDude.
Gavi Polyntsev
Gavi Polyntsev is a 28-year-old musician and graduate of Eastern Michigan University School of Music, where he earned a double major in Piano and Organ Performance, graduating summa cum laude. His musical journey began at age 10 through music therapy, where he quickly showed interest and talent. During his school years, Gavi played both piano and viola, performing viola in orchestra before eventually focusing fully on piano. In college, he discovered a strong interest in the pipe organ and began studying it seriously alongside piano — both of which he continues to study and perform today. Outside of music, Gavi is a second-degree black belt in Judo. He also enjoys movies, learning about actors and film history, and exploring how music and film sometimes borrow from each other — or cross the line into plagiarism. You can watch Gavi’s performances on his YouTube channel @gavi1997.
Chapman Shum
Chapman Shum is a 15-year-old blind pianist with complex disabilities, including autism, learning and speech difficulties, and hearing loss. He began learning piano at the age of 6 and is currently studying in the Junior Conservatoire at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. He is also a member of the National Open Youth Orchestra. Chapman has performed extensively across the UK in support of charities and community initiatives. He has appeared on Channel 4’s acclaimed series “The Piano”, as well as on a number of BBC television and radio programmes. He was recently featured as the cover story of “Piano Professional” magazine, published by the EPTA. The cover photograph was taken during his visit to MSU, the highlight of his year. He was also recently awarded the London Youth Outstanding Achievement Awards, presented by the London Assembly.
Masha Staples
Masha loves being a Piano Performance major at Wayne State University. Her favorite classes besides Piano, are Music History, Music Theory and Chamber Music. The highlight of Masha’s summer is being invited to “Celebrating The Spectrum”. She loves this great opportunity to be inspired by an outstanding Piano faculty and by wonderful mentors. Masha loves to watch Science Fiction and to read World History genres, as well as to look at atlases and maps. She also loves walking outdoors and visiting local parks. Masha’s favorite composer is Robert Schumann, because she feels connected to his mental challenges. Masha is also still a big fan of Barney the Purple Dinosaur and a color purple.