Collaborative Online Music at BIAAE (COMB)

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Collaborative Online Music at BIAAE (COMB) is an interactive music class and social group for individuals with disabilities ages 16 and older. Over the course of our 12-week semester, participants will explore a variety of musical concepts while developing their skills through collaborative music-making. Using BandLab, an online platform for creating and recording music, participants and teachers work together to compose, arrange, and record original and collaborative projects. The semester culminates in a recital featuring a customized ensemble arrangement and group recording that showcases each member’s contributions. People with disabilities of all musical backgrounds, experience levels, and instruments are welcome!

Important Things to Know:

  1. Rental instruments are not available from Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education. You have several options:

    1. Use your own instrument.

    2. Use a digital instrument available from Bandlab for Education (digital instrument options are limited to piano or drums).

    3. Rent an instrument on your own. Click here to download a list of instrument rental companies in Greater Boston and across the US. 

  2. Participants can choose to play one of these traditional instruments: Alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, trombone, or trumpet. Violin, viola, guitar, piano, voice, or percussion, or digital/virtual instruments are available on Bandlab for Education.

  3. Technology requirements for Zoom:

    1. a computer or tablet device;

    2. an internet connection;

    3. a webcam so you can see and interact with others; and

    4. audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone.

  4. You aren’t required to install anything on your computer or tablet in order to use Zoom, but some people do find it helpful to download the Zoom client. If you have never used Zoom, before the interest series, we strongly suggest that you visit Zoom's support page.

  5. Technology requirements for Bandlab for Education:

    1. a computer or tablet device;

    2. an internet connection;

    3. audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone; and

    4. headphones.

  6. You will receive an email from the instructors before the first lesson with information about how to log into classes. 

    This class is intended for participants ages 16 and up.

 

Fall 2026 Schedule: 

  • 12-week session held on Tuesdays from 7–9 p.m. ET.
  • Session dates are as follows: 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8

Tuition: Students choose their tuition level. Tuition is $400, $300, or $200 per semester. Tuition assistance is not available for this program.

Ages: 16 and up

 

Additional Information

  • Participants must have a diagnosed disability.
  • No previous musical experience is necessary.
  • Participants must be able to participate effectively in lessons or classes, and maintain an environment that is safe for themselves and others.
  • This program will be offered in a fully remote format. It will not be offered on campus.

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