Charles Joseph Smith, pianist and composer
Pianist and composer Dr. Charles Joseph Smith was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Charles says, "On the positive side - I was a little bit like a Mozart." After a breakthrough in 1990, when Charles received his degree in piano performance, he challenged himself to get two additional degrees. He is particularly interested in the music of Franz Liszt and holds a DMA in piano performance from the University of Illinois.
Photos courtesy Charles Joseph Smith