Berkshire Hills - Summer Program

Frequently Asked Questions about
Admissions at BHMA

How do I begin the admissions process at Berkshire Hills Music Academy?

The first step in the admissions process is the BHMA Prelude, a welcoming information session that will allow you to tour the school and get to know more about our programs.
After this initial visit, families wishing to continue with the application process will complete a preliminary application form, and submit it with a $100 application fee.
Once the form is reviewed, the candidate may be asked to return to BHMA for a comprehensive admissions visit, including an interview and skills assessment, class participation, an audition, and an overnight visit.
Additional material, such as health records, school records, most recent IEP, and testing results will be required to complete the application.
Complete applications received by December 1^st will be considered on an Early Decision basis, materials received by March 15^th will be considered on a Regular Decision basis, and materials received after that will be considered on a wait-list, rolling admissions basis.

PLEASE NOTE: If your child has attended the BHMA Summer Program in 2007 or 2008, your family does not need to attend a BHMA Prelude. Simply contact the Admissions Office for an application form. An admissions visit will be required, but the overnight component may not be necessary for those who attended the Summer Program in 2007 or 2008.

How competitive is the process for acceptance to BHMA?

As Berkshire Hills Music Academy becomes better known (we are now in our seventh year of operation), we are receiving more applications in a given admissions cycle. Naturally, this means that acceptance becomes somewhat more competitive as we move forward. So, with the increased number of applicants, we can’t accept everyone and may need to make difficult decisions. But it’s important to remember that our philosophy is to focus on a young person’s abilities and strengths, and that we strive to envision how each individual candidate will benefit from BHMA and how we will benefit from what a candidate can offer our school community.

My son/daughter loves music but has never played an instrument. Is he/she a candidate for BHMA?

Because of the nature of our classes and programs, each BHMA student needs to have some level of musical experience. Although it’s possible that a given candidate’s passion for music has provided him/her with the necessary skills to succeed at BHMA without having had lessons, we find that students who do well here have had at least 1 – 2 years of private music lessons and experience in some sort of ensemble, such as a chorus or a band. Most of our students learn by ear, and do not read music – for those students, it is important to have good memorization skills so that they can learn repertoire effectively. We ask that each family prepare a Music and Performance resume, to be submitted as an initial indication of interest in beginning the application process.

What do you look for in an applicant, besides musical ability/experience?

Because our curriculum focuses highly on social and life skills, and because all students participate in musical activities which require collaboration between ensemble members, communication and cooperation skills are very important to a potential student’s ability to succeed at our school. Applicants who have high musical talent, but who struggle with interpersonal skills may be considered, but we may require a 1:1 paraprofessional as a condition of acceptance, in order that the student has a chance to participate as fully as possible in our programming.

How do families usually pay for the cost of education at BHMA?

There are a number of different funding streams available, which may well vary from state-to-state, school district-to-school district, agency-to-agency. Each family must research what funding streams are available for their particular family situation; however, BHMA has printed information to get you started, and can provide further support and consultation (for a fee) for families needing assistance in identifying funding opportunities. Information on funding will be presented at each BHMA Prelude session, and BHMA staff will also happy to speak with families by phone regarding individual circumstances and concerns.

Call the Admissions Office for more information.

(413) 540-9720, ext. 202