Sujeet Desai's Biography

26-year-old Sujeet Desai is an accomplished musician born with Down syndrome. Sujeet plays six instruments. Bb and Bass clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Piano and drums. In June 2001 he graduated from high School with honors and in May 2003 from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in Massachusetts after two-year residential Post-secondary study in Music and Human services. Sujeet travels around the world to do his inspirational solo performances and self-advocacy workshops.

Right after the academy graduation he started working as a teacher's aid for a music department in an elementary school. Currently he plays his music in churches, nursing homes, senior centers, hospital and various local community events as well works in a library. In July 2006 Sujeet got married to Carrie Bergeron also a self-advocate and lives with her in an apartment and enjoys his independent living.

In 1998, when Sujeet started to volunteer to provide entertainment the overwhelming response received from his audience led to his decision to make music his career. Since March 2000 he has performed in many States, National and International conferences, annual events and is booked in advance till 2008. Sujeet is a recipient of 8 International awards for his music and self-advocacy. (Please see the attached list)

Besides music Sujeet has a 2nd degree Black Belt in martial arts (Tae Kwon Do). He has won Gold & silver medals in the World Games 99 Special Olympics in Swimming and numerous medals in Special Olympics in Alpine skiing, Cross-country running and Bowling. He enjoys writing emails to his fans from all over the world who visit his web site. Sujeet opened his web site in 1997 in his computer graphic class, which is visited by over 121,000 people from around the world with rave reviews.

Two documentaries done on his life and had many TV and newspaper interviews. Since his trailblazing marraige to Carrie they both been featured in Wall Street Journal, Time magazine, aired on national TV shows like "The Views", "20/20" , " Operah Winfrey" and WCNY public channel.

Sujeet has worked very hard throughout the last decade trying to become the finest musician he can be, while also working to overcome the limitations of his disability. Music has helped him bridge this gap. With his musical versatility Sujeet has become a role model and has brought inspiration and hope to individuals with disability, their parents, educators, and the services that work with them. Sujeet's family takes pride in him for all that he has brought into their lives. Currently Sujeet's parents travel with him to support him with his performances and workshops. Sujeet shares his story with a power point workshop. Sujeet's MISSION is to send a message across the world that given opportunities for their abilities individual with disabilities can “Make It Happen!” Sujeet's music is more than just an entertainment. It's educational, inspirational and focused to make his MISSION POSSIBLE!

List of Sujeet National & International awards

1. October 2007 " Thank You award " from "SNF (special Needs Families) chidren Developmental ceneter , Dubai, UAE
2. September 2006: " Leaders award" honored in Leaders' Exhibit by Genetic Alliance at the National Geographic Society museum in Washington, DC
3. March 2006: 2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. First youngest student in Utica martial art school to earn this award.
4. Dec 2000: an award of Appreciation from. Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister for Community Development of Singapore
5. Jan 2001: an Achievement Award on United Nations International day of Disabled Persons given by the President of Singapore Mr. S. R. Nathan
6. April 2001: award winners for outstanding achievement in Arts “Yes I Can" by The Foundation for Exceptional Children. (FEC)
7. April 2004: This most Prestigious “Honor & Pride” Most recognized Self-advocate born with Down syndrome given at the 8th world Down Syndrome Congress held in Singapore in April 2004. 35 countries had nominated 35 self advocates from around the world. It was individuals with Down syndrome who excel in various fields
8. August 2004: given “ Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen Award” for outstanding self-advocate given by (NDSC) National Down Syndrome convention in Indianapolis in august 2004, Dr.Pueschel.
9. 2001 Very Special Arts: Certificate of recognition for outstanding submission to the 2001. Panasonic Young Soloist Award by VSA.
10. 1999 Community work experience, given to me by FM school at the annual awards night for community work experience, includes my work at Syracuse university band library and at the Beat Street Music Store.
To schedule a concert or get more information on Sujeet's music performances and other achievements, you may contact him by E-mail
HOME