Q. What is the admissions process?

A. Admissions process

Q. What do you look for in an applicant?

A. Student profiles

Q. How musically talented does an applicant have to be?

A. Students do not have to be musically talented but they should demonstrate an aptitude for or interest in music. The current student population ranges from relative beginners who have had limited music lessons to accomplished performers with many years of experience. The Academy strives to help each student achieve a higher level of accomplishment musically; it also uses music as a tool to help students transition toward a higher level of independence.

Q. What types of music and which instruments do students play?

A. Students at the Academy study and perform all genres of music according to their individual taste and background. Some of these include, but are not limited to, classical, pop, rock, and folk music. Lessons have been offered in voice, piano, keyboard, drums, guitar, bass, organ, clarinet, flute, saxophone, violin, and dance, as well as composition, song writing, and improvisation.

Q. What are some of the outcomes of your graduates?

A. Some of our graduates are working in the music field. One young man appears at conferences all over the world. Another graduate was hired as an aide to the recreation director at an assisted living facility specializing in playing piano and singing. While many other graduates are working in jobs not related to music, such as in retail or service fields, they nevertheless uses skills learned at the Academy to be more capable employees. Most graduates continue to use skills developed at the Academy to enrich their family life, social life, and life within their community..

Q. What is the average length of time a student stays at the Academy?

A. Our Certificate Program is a two year program. Our ELC Program which is designed as a transition to independence has the flexibility of one year duration or longer, depending on the individual needs. Some students in our ELC program who have been with the Academy since it opened.

Q. Do you have to attend the Summer Program to be accepted?

A. No, but attending the Summer Program is a good way to become acquainted with the Academy.

Q. Is Berkshire Hills Music Academy a school only for individuals with Williams syndrome?

A. No, the Academy is, and was always intended to be, a school for students with various cognitive disabilities (whatever the cause or diagnosis) who have a passion and aptitude for music and performing.

Q. What is Williams syndrome?

A. Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music.

Q. How do I pay for the Academy?

A. Many families obtain funding from their school district or their state Department of Developmental Disabilities to pay their tuition at BHMA. Some families pay privately.

Q. Is music that important?

A. Because music intelligence is independent of IQ, BHMA uses music to accomplish individualized goals toward independence that may or may not be related to music itself. Our students find great pleasure and/or success in music, which then gives them the self-confidence and courage to work on all aspects of their lives and take steps to further independence. For example: participating in a choir teaches the student the value of working with others. Often the student’s interest in music is a catalyst to learning life and social skills. Additionally, halls filled with music make BHMA a very joyful place to be.