Scholarship Spotlight: Gabriel Planas-Borgstrom

For Gabriel Planas-Borgstrom, music has always been more than just a passion — it’s a lifeline, a calling, and a career in the making. Just finishing his junior year at Temple University, Gabriel grew up surrounded by music. With a father who worked as a high school band director, it was nearly impossible not to be immersed in it.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around listening to Foo Fighters in my dad's car, Marc Anthony while cleaning the house on Sundays, and getting my first bass guitar when I was three,” Planas-Borgstrom said.

Over the years, Gabriel developed into a multi-instrumentalist, learning piano, guitar, bass, drums, and singing. Bass and drums have become favorites in recent years, thanks to the thrill of discovering new sounds and techniques. Performing in talent shows, singing in choirs, and playing local gigs were staples of his upbringing.

“My whole childhood seemed to have a soundtrack to it,” he recalls.

But music’s role in Gabriel’s life deepened in a life-altering way at age 14, when he was diagnosed with cancer. It was during treatment that songwriting became a powerful emotional outlet.

“Writing about my experiences and using music to cope with treatment genuinely saved my life,” Planas-Borgstrom said.

It was at CHOP—the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia—where Gabriel was first introduced to music therapy, an experience that would later shape his career path.

After surviving two battles with cancer, Gabriel entered his senior year of high school searching for a way to give back to those who had supported him. The realization came clearly:

“When I remembered my experience with music therapy, the answer hit me like a ton of bricks, and from that moment I knew I had to become a music therapist,” he said.

That goal led him to Temple University. While many factors drew him there, one stood out. “Short answer? Dr. Mike Zanders,” Gabriel says. After shadowing Dr. Zanders for a day, Gabriel was struck by his passion and Temple’s strong reputation in the field. Over time, Dr. Zanders has become not just a teacher, but a personal and professional mentor.

Gabriel’s plan is to pursue a master’s degree in music therapy, with a special interest in pediatrics and special needs populations. Ultimately, he hopes to work at CHOP, giving back through the very profession that helped him heal. But his purpose runs deeper than a job title.

“As long as I'm in a position where I can help people the way I was helped, I'll be happy,” he said.

In the classroom and in clinical fieldwork, Gabriel’s musicianship continues to grow.

“I don’t think you can be a music therapist without a passion for music,” Planas-Borgstrom said. “Having a passion for music is the pathway to analyzing music in the way a clinician needs to, creating music that clients can resonate with, and using songs in sessions to accomplish your client's goals.”

Gabriel continues to explore new opportunities through music therapy. With his main interest in pediatrics and special needs, he continues to explore working with clinical populations during his undergraduate studies.

Despite a demanding academic schedule, Gabriel hasn’t stopped creating. His debut EP, Interstate, is available under the name Gabriel PB on all streaming platforms. He’s looking forward to working on his second EP over the summer.

He recently received Temple’s Outstanding Achievement in Music Therapy award, an honor that reflects both his talent and his commitment. When he’s not making music, he stays active by playing soccer.

Receiving the Angelina’s Song Scholarship has been more than financial support — it’s provided something deeper. “The biggest thing that this scholarship has given me is a community of people who believe in what I do, and my ability to do it.”

Gabriel’s journey echoes the very heart of Angelina’s Song—both found hope and strength through music during their battles with cancer at CHOP. Gabriel transformed his personal challenges into a powerful source of inspiration and connection, using music as a tool to uplift and heal. This scholarship not only honors Angelina’s vibrant legacy but also supports Gabriel as he carries that spirit forward, reminding us of all of the incredible power of music to bring light and resilience in the darkest times.

To others pursuing creative paths, Gabriel offers this advice: “Don’t let anyone convince you that a career in music is not a ‘real’ career. Music therapy saved my life just as much as my oncology team did.”