Arts Education Programs for People with Disabilities
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 participant where they are in a safe and welcoming environment.
We offer an array of programs for individuals of all ages:
| Program Name | Participant Age Range | Art Form | Brief Summary |
Private Music Lessons(Opens in a new window)
| 9 and up for 60-minute lessons 6 and up for 30-minute lessons | Music | One-on-one instrument lessons; requires participant 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 participant practice between sessions All instruction via video conference |
Music Classes for Young Children(Opens in a new window)
| 3–8 | Music | Caregiver-and-me style music classes All instruction in person on our Boston campus |
| Introduction to Musical Instruments Class(Opens in a new window) | 6–8 | Music | Instrument exploration class with beginning music reading instruction Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference |
Ukulele Ensemble(Opens in a new window)
| 7–12 | Music | Group class to learn to play the ukulele Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference |
Inner Harmony Ensemble(Opens in a new window)
| 9 and up | Music | Choral ensemble where participants sing together Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference |
Rock Band Ensemble(Opens in a new window)
| 9 and up | Music | Instrumental ensemble where participants play rock and popular music together Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference |
iPad Ensemble(Opens in a new window)
| 9 and up | Music | Technology ensemble where participants create music using iPads and other technology Instruction both in person on our Boston campus and via video conference |
| 12 and up | Music | Technology class where participants learn to create music using virtual synthesizers and a variety of music making software All instruction in person on our Boston campus |
| 9 and up | Music | Percussion classes where participants create music and explore rhythm through bucket drumming All instruction via video conference |
| 9 and up | Music | A class where participants 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 |
| 12 and up | Music | A class where participants learn how to recognize and understand music in connection to rhythm, melody, and harmony. All instruction via video conference |
| Music Theory Class | 12 and up | Music | A class where participants 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 Autism | 18 and up | Music | A 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(Opens in a new window)
| 9–17 (older participants 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(Opens in a new window)
| 9–15 | Theater | Theater games and exploration; participants create and perform their own scenes and scripts All instruction via video conference |
| Step by Step(Opens in a new window) | 8–early 20s | Dance | Adaptive dance classes where participants learn dance and movement All instruction in person on our Boston campus |
| ABLE Fest: Music Festival for Individuals with Disabilities | 12 and up | Music | Four workshops focusing on different aspects of practice and performing, culminating in a music festival performance. |
| Sensory-Friendly Performances(Opens in a new window) | All ages | Music, Theater, Dance | Modified performances that are accessible to individuals with sensory challenges |
Please note that individuals 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: