AJ & Heidi S.
A differently-abled musician, AJ began playing piano at just 2 years old (before he was even able to communicate with words), showing an immediate affinity and incredible ability for the keys that he has since become known for throughout our community in Northampton. Quietly committed, AJ has been learning piano by ear at the NCMC for the past 15 years, where he has worked to build a repertoire that spans jazz, pop, classical, and far more. Despite the challenges and adaptations he faces as a differently-abled person, AJ and his mother, Heidi, have worked with faculty member Kate O’Connor and our scholarship program to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. Now, AJ has begun to take gigs—although the sound of applause lights him up more than the money!
