Berklee Music Lessons Program for Adults with Autism
The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE) is generously offering free group music lessons to autistic adults. Instrument options include: alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, trombone, trumpet. Violin, viola, guitar, piano, voice, or percussion. If you do not have a physical instrument, we recommend visiting your local music store to source an instrument or use a virtual instrument through Bandlab for Education platform.
Explore and grow as independent and ensemble musicians using instruments or voice during practice and group lessons. Lessons will focus on note reading, technique, and recording as participants work to record and perform music with their peers. Participants will use Bandlab for Education (a free platform) to collaborate in an ensemble and to optionally use virtual/digital instruments. Click here to watch a video explaining how Berklee staff will use Bandlab for Education in this program.
At the end of the session, participants will participate in an online ensemble performance and receive a recording.
Important Things to Know:
Rental instruments are not available from Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education. You have several options:
Use your own instrument
Use a digital instrument available from Bandlab for Education (Digital instrument options are limited to piano or drums.)
Rent an instrument on your own. Click here to download a list of instrument rental companies in Greater Boston and across the US.
Participants can choose to play one of those traditional instruments: Alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, trombone, trumpet. Violin, viola, guitar, piano, voice, or percussion, or digital/virtual instruments available on Bandlab for Education.
Technology requirements for zoom:
a computer or tablet device
an internet connection
a webcam so you can see and interact with others
audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone
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: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us
Technology requirements for Bandlab for Education:
a computer or tablet device
an internet connection
audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone
headphones
Your registration confirmation email will include a Zoom link to join your lessons. You will receive an email from the instructors before the first lesson.
This class is intended for participants ages 18 and up.
Ages: 18 and up.
When: 12 Tuesday evenings in the fall and spring semesters, six Tuesday evenings in a winter session, plus a six-week summer session.
Tuition: Free!
Additional Information
- Participants must have an autism diagnosis.
- 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.
Support for the BIAAE Music Lessons Program for Adults with Autism is provided through a grant from the NLM Family Foundation. The NLM Family Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism by increasing opportunities and resources available to the autism community, supporting the study of the science of autism, and educating the public about autism.
