Accessible Music Education Study Group: January 2024 to March 2024

 

The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education is proud to announce the Accessible Music Education Study Group for music educators throughout the United States. 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 15 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 introduction and early applications 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

There is no charge for the study group, but individuals must register by submitting the registration form.

Working Sessions

There will be five 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. 

  • January 13, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (level II)
  • January 27, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (level II)
  • February 10, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (level II)
  • February 24, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (level II)
  • March 9, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (level I); 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (level II)

Topics

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

  • Neurodiversity and models of disability
  • 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
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