Live Panel Discussion and Performance in Boston on March 16

Virtual Live Stream March 16

National Broadcast Special April 27

Daily Joy and Digital Programming

“Disability is a part of humanity in a deep and complicated way. One of the reasons I’m so grateful to ‘From the Top’, and excited about this project, is that they have dived into learning about and representing that complexity.” –Julia LaGrand to The Boston Globe

Boston, MA – [March 5, 2026] — From the Top the nationally distributed NPR radio program and nonprofit dedicated to celebrating young classically-trained musicians, is shining a spotlight on young artists who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent through educational programming, broadcasts, and digital content.

Julia LaGrand. Photo by Tim Correira

Continuing its commitment to inclusivity and representation in classical music, From the Top will host a live event and virtual live stream in Boston on March 16 and a forthcoming new national broadcast highlighting young musicians with disabilities as well as a series of short films.

This effort builds on a multi-faceted initiative originally launched in 2023 to increase inclusivity and transparency for musicians with disabilities. Central to this work is From the Top alumna and violinist Julia LaGrand, 21, who first brought this vision to the organization after sharing her story as a blind musician on the program in 2021.

“We deserve opportunities to shine,” LaGrand said, “and From the Top is the perfect platform to highlight these young artists, allowing them to share their stories as musicians living with disability and neurodivergence.”

LaGrand continues her role as co-host, content advisor, and associate producer for this year’s broadcast and event programming.

Disability, Artistry, and Community: Forging a Future

As part of this year’s programming, From the Top will present Disability, Artistry, and Community: Forging a Future, a free performance and panel discussion.

Monday, March 16, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 pm (EST)
GBH Fraser Studio | One Guest St, Boston, MA
In-Person Event and Virtual Live Stream (7:00 pm EST)

The live stream will be hosted by Access/VSA, A Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program.

The journey from young talent to professional musician is rarely straightforward. For artists with disabilities, that path demands not only skill and perseverance, but an industry willing to expand its understanding of who belongs on stage.

The evening will include live performances by From the Top alumni and host Peter Dugan, and a dynamic conversation focused on empowering disabled artists today and shaping a more inclusive future for the arts.

Julia LaGrand, From the Top co-host and associate producer, will facilitate the discussion with a panel comprised of bassist and composer Ciara Moser, nationally-renowned ASL/English Interpreter, presenter, and certified facilitator of Disability Justice, Deaf Equity and Anti-Ableist practices Chris Robinson, Ellice Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Dance Boston, and violinist, educator, and speaker Adrian Anantawan.

Performances by FTT Alum and VSA International Young Musician winner Nicolette Sullivan-Cozza, cellist Adam Mandela Walden, and FTT host Peter Dugan.

The event is free but requires advance registration for both in-person attendance and virtual livestream access.

Learn more and register: https://fromthetop.org/disability-artistry-and-community-forging-a-future/

National Broadcast Special Airing April 27, 2026 and Digital Media

A new episode of From the Top will spotlight the stories and artistry of four extraordinary young musicians with disabilities.

The episode will be co-hosted by violinist and disability activist Julia LaGrand alongside host Peter Dugan. The featured performers will travel to Boston to record in March 2026. Through powerful performances and candid conversations, the program will explore identity, artistry, and access.

Short films about the featured performers will be released later in the spring on From the Top’s website and social media.

Featured young musicians include:

19-year-old violinist Alexander McDowell from Durham, North Carolina

18-year-old composer Kiefer Bernard from Montclair, New Jersey

22-year-old French Horn player Macy James from Kalamazoo, Michigan

14-year-old percussionist Zion Giles from Chicago, Illinois

All four performers featured in the national performance special will also participate in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab online curriculum. This educational space offers opportunities to explore life as an artist, meet professionals, and connect with disabled and non-disabled peers. Fellows learn about community engagement, audio recording, vulnerability and storytelling.

This is From the Top’s second episode dedicated to celebrating musicians with disabilities. The first was produced in 2023 and included an exclusive interview with renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman.

This year’s broadcast special will air nationally during the week of April 27, 2026, on participating radio stations and by podcast.

In addition to the broadcast, From the Top’s Daily Joy digital series will celebrate young musicians who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent in April and May on its platform.

Expanding Representation in Classical Music

This programming builds on From the Top’s broader initiative launched in 2023 to increase inclusivity and transparency for artists with disabilities. Through national broadcasts, educational and digital programming, and collaborations with leaders in arts accessibility — including Access/VSA, A Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program— the organization continues to elevate the perspectives of disabled and neurodivergent musicians nationwide.

“At From the Top, we have a responsibility to use our platform to bring important ideas and issues to the public,” said From the Top Executive Director Gretchen Nielsen. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to learn from the musicians themselves and our partners as we work toward increasing access in all aspects of our work.”

From the Top is committed to creating opportunities for young musicians to connect music with societal issues. By creating a space where young artists can experiment, collaborate, and nurture their curiosity, From the Top helps the next generation of artists recognize their own potential as change-makers.

In 2025, From the Top partnered with the University of Southern California’s Brain & Creativity Institute to host Music and the Brain residency, which allowed young musician-scientists the opportunity to explore the intersection of music, neuroscience, and well-being. In 2024, From the Top spotlighted the challenges faced by young musicians from rural areas and offered a seminar for young musicians on connecting music and environmental advocacy.

About From the Top

For 25 years, From the Top has celebrated and empowered young musicians through a robust platform that includes broadcasts, digital content, learning and fellowships, and awards.

From the Top is a creative learning lab for young classical musicians, ages 8-18, designed to fill in gaps in traditional music education. Each year, roughly 100 young artists are selected as Fellows, gaining access to professional recording sessions, financial awards, and a network of industry professionals with a genuine desire to empower young musicians. Fellows learn about community engagement, media skills, and storytelling while leading projects on issues that matter to them – such as advocating for musicians with disabilities, exploring music’s role in climate change, and addressing the challenges of serious music study in rural areas. By creating a space where young artists can experiment, collaborate, and nurture their curiosity, From the Top allows Fellows to build agency and confidence. With a growing cohort of nearly 3,000 diverse alumni, From the Top is helping the next generation of artists recognize their own potential as change-makers. Performances on From the Top’s flagship radio program reach 350,000 weekly listeners across 200 public radio stations, and millions more online, inspiring audiences nationwide with their talent and advocacy.

Media Contact:

Erin MacCurtain, Director of Marketing and Communications
emaccurtain@fromthetop.org