Emirati autistic teen gets accepted in prestigious music college

The Grade 13 pupil was diagnosed with autism at an early age.

An Emirati teen with autism is hitting all the right notes as she has been accepted into one of the most prestigious music colleges around the world.
Sara Al Hashimi, a 17-year-old student at King's School in Al Barsha, recently got her acceptance letter from US-based Berklee College of Music - one of the highest ranked music schools globally. Some notable alumni from this college include John Mayer, Charlie Puth, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Gary Burton, John Scofield, PSY and Joey Kramer.
The Grade 13 pupil was diagnosed with autism at an early age, however, that didn't deter her from pursuing her love for music.
"I developed a fondness for music from a very young age. My mum initiated me into into music. Singing is my main instrument, but I also play the piano, viola and guitar," Al Hashimi told Khaleej Times, who also composes her own music.
"I was really delighted when I got my acceptance letter from the college because it was my first choice. I really loved the place as I went there for two summer programmes. Having gone through those experiences, I knew that was the place I wanted to go."
Al Hashimi's passion for music has already made her reach great heights. She has previously performed at the Welsh National Opera and in the presence of royals, such as Prince Charles and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
"I also recorded with Cat Stevens, performed in the BBC Symphony Orchestra and did a few other collaborative projects, including a project with a community in Cambodia," she said.
Even though Al Hashimi is on the autism spectrum, she believes that it has helped make her "unique" and the girl wants to be an inspiration to other people who are passionate about music and other forms of art.
She admitted that she has faced "a few challenges" but overcame them confidently and is looking forward to carry on her higher education at Berklee.
"There aren't a lot of musicians on the autism spectrum. And that is just a barrier that makes you unique than different," Al Hashimi said.
She'll be off to the US soon to start the new chapter of her life. However, she plans to move back to Dubai after her studies to be closer with her family.
"I am obviously going to miss my family. They are very important to me. I won't miss the weather, because it's really hot in Dubai. I will probably be visiting Dubai during the winter," she said, adding that she hoped to continue performing music on big platforms once she graduates.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE