Arts Education Programs for People with Disabilities

teacher holding elephant puppet for a child

The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education is deeply committed to providing educational opportunities in the arts for all learners. Our highly trained instructors tailor their teaching to meet each individual student where they are in a safe and welcoming environment. 

We offer an array of programs for students of all ages:

Program NameStudent Age RangeArt FormBrief Summary

Private Music Lessons

 

9 and up for 60-minute lessons

6 and up for 30-minute lessons

Music

One-on-one instrument lessons; requires student practice between sessions

All instruction in person on our Boston campus

ConnectABLE Private Music Lessons

9 and up for 60-minute lessons

6 and up for 30-minute lessons

Music

One-on-one instrument lessons; requires student practice between sessions

All instruction via video conference

Music Classes for Young Children

 

3–8Music

Caregiver-and-me style music classes

All instruction in person on our Boston campus

Introduction to Musical Instruments Class6–8Music

Instrument exploration class with beginning music reading instruction

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

Ukulele Ensemble

 

7–12Music

Group class to learn to play the ukulele

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

Inner Harmony Ensemble

 

9 and upMusic

Choral ensemble where students sing together

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

Rock Band Ensemble

 

9 and upMusic

Instrumental ensemble where students play rock and popular music together

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

iPad Ensemble

 

9 and upMusic

Technology ensemble where students create music using iPads and other technology

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

Music Technology Class

 

12 and upMusicTechnology class where students learn to create music using virtual synthesizers and a variety of music making software

All instruction in person on our Boston campus

Bucket Drumming Class

 

9 and upMusicPercussion classes where students create music and explore rhythm through bucket drumming

All instruction via video conference

Music History Class

 

9 and upMusicA class where students learn about the lives and works of composers representing different historical periods and world cultures

Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference

Ear Training Class

 

12 and upMusic

A class where students learn how to recognize and understand music in connection to rhythm, melody, and harmony. 

All instruction via video conference

Music Theory Class12 and upMusicA class where students learn the fundamentals of music and develop the musical skills that musicians use to read, play, and write music.
Berklee Music Lessons Program for Adults with Autism18 and upMusicA class for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to explore and grow as independent and ensemble musicians using traditional or digital instruments.

Day Sessions: ABLE Summer Program

 

9–17 (older students permitted on a case-by-case basis)Music

Weeklong summer music day camp that includes ensembles, drumming, singing, and more

All instruction in person on our Boston campus

Daytime Moon Creations Theater Program

 

9–15Theater

Theater games and exploration; students create and perform their own scenes and scripts

All instruction via video conference

Step by Step8–early 20sDance

Adaptive dance classes where students learn dance and movement

All instruction in person on our Boston campus

ABLE Fest: Music Festival for Students with Disabilities12 and upMusicFour workshops focusing on different aspects of practice and performing, culminating in a music festival performance.
Sensory-Friendly PerformancesAll agesMusic, Theater, DanceModified performances that are accessible to individuals with sensory challenges

 

Please note that students must have a diagnosed disability in order to participate in our programs. Review our other program policies.

Watch the story of Theresa, a pianist who studies with Rachel Jayson in our private music lessons program: