Award winner (2025)13th June 2025
Music in the dark: How Leaders’ Award winner Chapman Shum is inspiring a nation
Imagine being born blind, living with severe autism, speech and learning disabilities, and later developing some hearing loss. What dreams could flourish with so many challenges?
For Chapman Shum, a 14-year-old musical prodigy, the answer is loud and clear—music. Not just any music, but masterfully performed, passionately composed, and joyfully shared with the world.
An exceptional musical journey
Chapman’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with a rare disease that left him blind from birth and challenged by severe autism, his path has been filled with obstacles. But from a young age, Chapman found a voice where his own could not speak—at the piano. His natural talent did not go unnoticed. At just 11, he passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano exam with Distinction, a feat that alone would be remarkable. But Chapman didn’t stop there. By 13, he achieved the prestigious ARSM Piano Diploma, becoming—likely—the youngest blind pianist ever to do so.
Recently, he was offered a place at the Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and is believed to be the first blind and neurodivergent student ever admitted — a significant and inspiring milestone for both him and the institution. Hope he will be the first of many to come.
Composing through challenges
He’s not only a performer; he’s a composer too. His original works, with titles like The Rabbit Hole, Hannah’s Voice, and Whispering Fairy, reflect a depth of imagination and emotional nuance beyond his years. These compositions form part of the world he uses to connect with others—a world where words aren’t necessary to be understood.
Despite his challenges, Chapman’s music has travelled far beyond the keys of his piano. At 12, he gave his first recital at Westminster Music Library and has since performed at venues across the UK, including the prestigious Opening Ceremony of the Trade Union Congress Conference. His performances—at once vulnerable and powerful—have captivated audiences and broken-down perceptions about disability.
Pushing boundaries with purpose
As a member of the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) and the London Youth Folk Ensemble (LYFE), Chapman contributes to inclusive musical ensembles that celebrate diversity in all its forms. He’s currently preparing for even greater heights, working towards the LTCL or LRSM diplomas—milestones that demand immense skill and dedication, especially for someone navigating the world with such significant barriers.
But Chapman is not just a pianist or a composer—he is a voice for change. As a new migrant to the UK, he uses his talent to promote inclusivity, often performing at charity events. His advocacy has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was honoured as Young Advocate of the Year by NASEN and received both the Wandsworth Youth Civic Award and Young Person of the Year from the charity SENSE in recognition of his efforts.
Recognition and reach
The media has taken notice, too. Last year alone, he featured in four BBC programs, including the beloved Blue Peter, where his story moved viewers across the nation. On Instagram, his community of over 5,000 followers continues to grow—each post a window into his world of music, hope, and perseverance.
A shining moment on The Piano – Channel 4
Chapman was honoured to take part in the widely acclaimed Channel 4 series The Piano, a TV programme celebrating musicians of all backgrounds performing in public spaces. He appeared in Series 3, which was filmed at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 — a location that holds special meaning for him, as it was the very terminal where he first arrived in the UK.
The performance stirred powerful memories and emotions, evoking a vivid sensory experience — the sounds, the scents, the atmosphere — all of which formed his very first impression of the country. For Chapman, it was more than just a performance; it was a full-circle moment in his journey as a migrant, a musician, and a disabled young artist finding his place in a whole new world — all within just three years.
A life marked by symbolism—and purpose
Chapman’s birth during Learning Disability Week seems almost symbolic of the journey ahead. And as if fate offered a counterpoint, he was born on June 21st—World Music Day. This coincidence feels more like destiny: a quiet assurance that music would guide him, not just through his challenges, but into the hearts of many.
A 2025 Leaders’ Award winner
Chapman is indeed a worthy Winner of the 2025 Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards. We asked him how he felt about receiving this accolade:
I feel good! Happy!
— followed by his signature clapping, a beaming smile, and a joyful melodic chant: “Lor Le, Lor Le, Lor Le, Lor Le, Lor Le…” — his unique way of expressing that he’s absolutely chuffed.
Today, at just 14 years old, Chapman’s music fills hospital receptions and concert halls alike. It tells a story of resilience, not just in spite of disability, but often because of it. In his own words:
Because of a rare disease, I was born blind and have learning and speaking difficulties—but I’m a good pianist.
Chapman Shum
When asked what he wants to do in the future, Chapman thought for a moment, then replied a few words: “Birmingham, performing, Royal Albert Hall, Queens Theatre, and Siren Night”
Chapman’s father Chun, said:
What he means is that he hopes music will take him around the world — he dreams of performing everywhere (as he really like travelling). He especially enjoyed his recent trip performing in Birmingham in March. One of his aspirations is to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. He had the opportunity to perform there with a group in April, and now, he perhaps dreams of returning one day for a solo performance. The Queens Theatre in Barnstaple also holds special meaning for him. He performed there in February at a fundraising concert in support of the Special Olympics and Clarity — an experience he thoroughly enjoyed. Chapman hopes to continue using his music to support good causes in the future.
As for “Siren Night,” it’s a contemporary piece Chapman recently composed, inspired by the sounds of sirens he heard while travelling through the city. What he likely meant is that he wants to keep creating music that resonates with him personally.
Chapman is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in darkness, the human spirit can find its light through the universal language of music.