New York: A college student’s musical talents have helped him to make the incredible leap from a homeless student to a performer at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

The Pianist:  Matthews says that music has always been his means of escape

University of West Florida’s student James Matthews entered the 2014 American Protege International piano and strings competition, and received an honourable mention along with the prize of a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall. This accomplishment is all the more inspiring, considering Matthews’ difficulties along the path to success.