Accessible Music Education Study Group: October 2026 to December 2026

The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education is proud to announce the Accessible Music Education Study Group for music educators all around the world. This one-of-a-kind, fully online educator professional development opportunity offers both synchronous and asynchronous participation options so that anyone anywhere can attend the sessions, gain valuable knowledge, and learn strategies for reaching every student in the music studio, classroom, and ensemble settings.

Those who are interested can earn 18 professional development points (PDPs) from Massachusetts for participating.

The study group will include: 

  • working sessions (presentations, teaching demonstrations, discussions);
  • readings (research-based and practice-based publications);
  • reflections (written journal entries and conversations); and
  • individual projects to apply what you learn to your teaching. 

Our Accessible Music Education Study Group will be offered in two levels: 

  • Level I is introductory for those who are relatively new to this work or who need to fill in some gaps in their knowledge or experience.
  • Level II is intermediate and advanced for those with some knowledge and experience in music education for individuals with disabilities.

Cost and Registration

The Study Group registration fee is $300 per person (for six three-hour sessions).

The registration process is as follows:

a. Complete and submit the registration form or the Purchase Order registration form, if applicable.

b. We will email invoices in early October. Payment must be made online with a credit card or through the purchase order invoicing process. Full payment must be received before the Study Group begins on October 17.

Working Sessions

There will be six sessions, each three hours in length. There will also be online engagement for all participants between the sessions.

Times and Location

Synchronous sessions will take place online, using Zoom webinar technology, on the following dates and times. All sessions will be recorded for asynchronous participation. 

  • October 17, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)
  • October 31, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)
  • November 14, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)
  • November 21, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)
  • December 5, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)
  • December 12, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1–4 p.m. (level II)

Topics

The study group will cover topics including the following and more:

  • Neurodiversity and models of disability
  • Anti-ableist music education
  • Accessible music education strategies
  • Inclusive band and chorus
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Using technology to teach music to students with disabilities
  • Working with students with high support needs
  • Assessment
  • Adaptive music notation for a wide range of levels
  • Hands-on activities for classroom and ensemble settings