Celebrating the Spectrum Finale Concert

Every summer, Michigan State University’s College of Music hosts a weeklong piano program for young musicians on the autism spectrum. Participants take part in instruction, lectures, performances and on-campus living to get a glimpse into the life of a music major at MSU.

The program culminates in a free piano concert that allows the participating musicians to show off everything they’ve learned during the week. This year, the concert is taking place 4 p.m. Saturday (July 29) at the Cook Recital Hall inside MSU’s Music Building. 

The four returning participants, David Ginther, Masha Staples, Nathan Chen and Owen Whitman, and two new students, Matthew Miller and Jude Nyame Yie Kofie, have been preparing for the show with daily masterclasses on piano repertoire, additional classes on chamber music and jazz improvisation and other lectures by MSU professors of musicology, music theory and neuropsychology.  

“Each year, the students who attend our Celebrating the Spectrum program amaze and inspire us,” said Deborah Moriarty, Celebrating the Spectrum co-founder and chair of the MSU Keyboard Area. “These talented young adults give it their all during a fun but intense week, and the finale concert on the last day is truly a celebration of their achievements. It’s inspiring and uplifting for everyone involved, including those who attend the concert.”