Sujeet Desai

Sujeet Desai is an accomplished musician born with Down Syndrome. Desai has mastered seven instruments: Bb and bass clarinet, alto saxophone, violin, piano, trumpet and drums. His lifetime dream came true when he became the first person with Down Syndrome to perform at Carnegie Hall on May 20th, 2015, to a standing ovation no less. Desai now travels worldwide to do inspirational solo music performances and self-advocacy workshops.

In June 2001, he graduated from high school with honors, and in May 2003, he graduated from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in Massachusetts after a two-year residential post-secondary study in Music and Human Services. After graduation, Desai worked as a teacher’s aide for an elementary school music department and continues to introduce music to audiences though his volunteer work. Since March 2000, Desai has performed in nearly every state and 13 countries. Desai is a recipient of numerous national and international awards for his music and self-advocacy. Those awards include an Achievement Award on United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the World Down Syndrome Day Award from Down Syndrome International, the Thank You Award from Special Needs Families Developmental Center in Dubai and an award by the President of Singapore for self-advocacy & music.

Besides music, Desai has Third Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon. He is a winner of gold and silver medals in the World Games 1999 Special Olympics in swimming and numerous medals in the Special Olympics in Alpine skiing, cross-country running and bowling.

Desai's amazing story has been highlighted in two documentaries and many TV and newspaper interviews. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine, as well as on TV shows including The View, 20/20 and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Desai's mission is to send a message across the world that, given the proper opportunities, individuals with disabilities can “Make it Happen!”