Scott MacIntyre, 19, senior in piano performance

 

When Scott MacIntyre asked to audition for the School of Music in the Herberger College of Fine Arts, the faculty members were reluctant. He was only 14, after all, and he had the additional challenge of being blind.

Reluctance gave way to astonishment as Scott began his studies, making his way confidently around the campus with a cane, amazing Piano Professor Walter Cosand with his uncanny ability to learn and perform the most difficult classical pieces.

Scott made his orchestral debut at 15, performing as guest piano soloist with the Phoenix Symphony to a standing-room only audience. Encouraged by Cosand and his other music professors, he has since performed with the symphony five more times, won numerous piano competitions and produced five CDs.

In December 2004 he won the coveted Marshall Scholarship, one of only 40 in the nation, providing full funding for two years of graduate study at Britain’s Cambridge University and the Royal Conservatory of Music. In February has was named one of the top 20 undergraduate students in the nation, earning First Team status on USA Today’s All-USA Academic Team.

“My love for music has more than compensated for my lack of vision,” said Scott, who was born with two degrees of tunnel vision. “Because I cannot, for instance, play baseball, music has become my sport. It is the most exhilarating thrill to execute a stellar performance without the benefit of sight.”

Scott completed his other schoolwork with the aid of a computer scanner, tape recordings and magnifying glasses. He reads sheet music note by note, and memorizes it one hand at a time. Scott also sings, plays the drums, designs computer games, hikes, swims and skis with a sighted guide.

“My experience at ASU has been wonderful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Scott. “The professors are amazing. They really connect with students.”