The concept of a music academy for special learners originated in Lenox, Massachusetts at a music camp for individuals with Williams syndrome that began in 1994. This popular camp, co-sponsored by Belvoir Terrace and the Williams Syndrome Association, attracted national as well as international media attention during its ten-year history. The model of the camp was taken a step further in the summers of 1998 and 1999 when the School of Education at the University of Connecticut invited young adults with Williams syndrome to its campus for a pilot program called “Music & Minds.” This program set out to demonstrate that for students with a unique passion for music, a talent development approach based on strengths could lead to achievement gains in an area of academic weakness, such as mathematics.

These two successful initiatives—a music camp and an education project—provided a vision and a template for a residential school for special needs adults with a range of disabilities who share a love and talent for music. In 1999, the Berkshire Hills Music Academy was founded and incorporated. The Founders Dinner with Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and violinist Lucia Lin raised over $1 million for the purchase of the beautiful Skinner Estate from Mount Holyoke College. In 2001, the Academy opened its doors to an inaugural class of fourteen young men and women from nine states and two Canadian provinces. Whereas in that first year, 85% of the student body had Williams syndrome, the reach of the school has expanded so that now 40% have this genetic condition while the rest have a variety of other intellectual disabilities. (link to student profiles)

In 2003, with its core Two Year Certificate Program teaching life skills and music in place, the school added two new offerings: the Summer Program for prospective students, and an optional third-year program called Music In Careers(MIC), which is an independent living and vocational training year for BHMA graduates. In 2004, the Academy introduced the Performance Troupe to showcase the talents of its graduates acting as ambassadors for the school. In 2006, BHMA created the Summer Music Therapy Program to foster music development in children with special needs at a younger age. In 2009, BHMA introduced its Extended Learning Community(ELC), a program focused on vocational support and continued learning toward a higher level of independence.

In the fall of 2010, BHMA launched an enhanced Life Skills curriculum to accommodate the growing needs of our students and families. Additionally, the great synergy between the MIC and ELC program prompted BHMA to integrate the MIC program into the ELC program. Beginning in Fall 2010, all two-year certificate graduates have the opportunity to become an ELC student where they work on music and non music vocation and independent living skills. BHMA also launched a music lesson program for children with disabilities of all ages in the local community in fall of 2010. Families with special need children now have the opportunity to learn from our expert staff who will help prepare them for school at the Academy or elsewhere in the future.

Since the school opened in 2001, BHMA students have performed for more than 100,000 people. Our future plans include building a multi-use Performing Arts Center which will provide additional rehearsal and performance space, and expand opportunities for both our students and the community. Our strategic plan calls for studying the feasibility of a long-term environment for graduates with support, community involvement, and employment in cooperation with other organizations. Our vision is to continue to explore new and innovative ways to use music to enhance skills, broaden perspectives, and improve lives.