Day Sessions: ABLE

Boston
Ages 9-17
At Berklee, we believe that the arts better the lives of everyone. That's why we offer the ABLE Day Sessions program for musicians with disabilities. Study your instrument in group lessons. Play or sing with other musicians in an ensemble. Experience music through drumming, singing, and music technology workshops. Learn from other musicians in clinics. Share your music in a performance with your ensemble at the end of the week.
Week 1 July 29-August 2
Drop-off: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Week 2 August 5-August 9
Drop-off: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Tuition
$1,100 / week
 
How to Enroll

Submit your application. Please complete this form to apply.

Applications will be reviewed by our team, and Dr. Rhoda Bernard, the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education managing director, will contact you directly to arrange a follow-up meeting and/or phone call.

Schedule

Below is a sample schedule.

Time Activity / Description
8:30 AM–9:00 AM Drop-Off and Activities
Students arrive; brief morning activities
9:00 AM–9:15 AM Check-In
"Welcome and Hello" greeting song; participant check-in
9:15 AM–9:45 AM
+ break-outs
Ensembles
Sorted by ability and interest (genre); heterogeneous groups
9:45 AM–10:15 AM
+ break-outs
Workshops
Rotation between drumming, chorus, and music technology
10:15 AM–10:30 AM Snack (provided)
Brief snack break
10:30 AM–11 AM
+ break-outs
Workshops
Rotation between drumming, chorus, and music technology
11:00 AM–11:30 PM Sectionals
Sorted by instrument (piano, guitar, vocals, winds, percussion) to work on new content or ensemble music
11:30 PM–12 PM Music Skills
Rotation of various musical skill-focused activities
Noon–12:30 PM Lunch (provided) & Activities
Lunchtime and additional activities
Noon–1:00 PM
+ break-outs
Movement Break and Camp Jam
Brief break to move around and camp jam
1:00 PM–1:45 PM
+ break-outs
Ensembles
Sorted by ability and interest (genre); heterogeneous groups
1:45 PM–2 PM Break
Brief break time
2:00 PM–2:55 PM Clinic and Q&A
Guest visiting artist (a musician with a disability): 30-minute performance/presentation and 15-minute Q&A
2:55 PM–3 PM Closing
Goodbye song
3:00 PM Pick-Up
End of day

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

Each week of the ABLE Day Sessions Program ends with a final showcase concert at 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Requirements

This program is for students ages 9–17. You must be at least 9 years old by the start of the program, and you must have at least six months of playing or singing experience. Students older than 17 can participate on a case-by-case basis.

Students must be able to participate effectively in lessons or classes, and maintain an environment that is safe for themselves and others. We strive to create and maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all of our students. Therefore, students who engage in behaviors that may be unsafe for themselves or others will not be permitted to participate in our programs: they will be dismissed.

Our class and ensemble programs provide small group supervision and instruction with low teacher-to-student ratios, but we do not provide one-on-one support for individual students. Students who require such support may be accepted to our programs and may be able to participate in the programs, but they must be accompanied by a personal caregiver or assistant  provided by the student's family.

Program-Specific Details

Need-based Assistance

Need-based tuition assistance is available to families that qualify

Have Questions About ABLE Day Sessions?

For questions or for more information, please contact Rhoda Bernard by email at rbernard@berklee.edu or by phone at 617-747-2760.