Berkshire Hills Music Academy offers three distinct programs:

• Two-year Certificate Program
• Music In Careers (MIC)
• Summer Program

TWO-YEAR PROGRAM

Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA)'s two-year program is designed for the young adults (age 18 – 30 years old) with cognitive and/or learning disabilities, who have exhibited a special talent for music. Students develop their musical abilities in an academic setting, and at the same time expand their social and independent living skills. The program is well-suited for students interested in exploring vocational opportunities in music, although the skills learned can be used in many other job settings. The students are expected to have basic verbal communication skills, the stamina to manage a full day's schedule, and the demonstrated potential to live in a residential school setting.

The Two-Year Program leads to a Certificate of Completion with a concentration in Music Performance or Music and Human Service (MHS). It has four main components:

Academic Instruction

Music Study

Vocational Training

Residential Life

Academic Instruction

The academic curriculum is designed to support independence, vocational readiness, and personal fulfillment. Courses include:

• Applied Math and Consumer Math
• Computer Skills
• Life Skills
• Adult Sexuality
• Health Management
• Social Skills
• Language Lab (reading and writing for daily living and the work environment)
• Public Speaking
• Media Literacy
• Introduction to Careers; Vocational Skills

Music Study

Academy students are offered instruction in music to the best of their abilities. They have two private lessons each week in voice, instrument of choice, or dance. All students participate in the BHMA Chorus, and instrumental and vocal ensembles are created according to their interests and abilities.

Music classes include:

• Music Appreciation
• Practice Skills
• Music for Relaxation electives
• Music and Human Service track courses and field work
• Performance track courses and field work
• Professional sound and recording equipment

Vocational Training

The Music and Human Service concentration is designed to train students to serve as aides, providing music programming and general activities in various human service settings. The second year program introduces students to the basic principles of employment, examines the psychology of the elderly and young child, and explores how to use music in their work. Learning is enhanced weekly by the practical application of their classroom experiences at different fieldwork sites. Emphasis is placed on learning and developing solid work skills that are transferable to any work environment.

The Performance Track focuses on training students to work as performing artists, providing quality entertainment in a variety of venues. In this track, we teach: the technical aspects of performance, including understanding basic theatrical terms; having a functional knowledge of basic equipment; selecting appropriate musical selections for audiences, memorizing and recitation from a short script; and how to perform consistently and accurately in public performances.

Residential Life

The residential life program fosters personal development in a safe and supportive environment where students are able to develop their self-efficacy and independence. They are taught skills they will need for future independent living situations, and offered ongoing opportunities for in-house and off-campus recreational and leisure activities. Students receive hands-on instruction in life skills academic courses which are then practiced and reinforced in the context of the dormitory under the guidance of residential staff. These skills include:

• Banking, shopping and budgeting
• Time management and how to plan leisure activities
• Physical and recreational activities
• Interpersonal skills
• Personal care and hygiene
• Maintenance of personal belongings and rooms

Students also participate in physical and recreational activities led by a fitness instructor, including personalized fitness sessions and organized team sports. The Academy currently participates in team and individual Special Olympics events, including soccer, downhill skiing, bowling and basketball. Additionally, students take part in a wide range of activities and events taking place in the culturally rich “Five College” area.

MUSIC IN CAREERS (MIC)

The Music in Careers program (MIC) is designed to provide intensive music career training and field experience, presenting students with an opportunity to live the lives of working musicians. MIC is a one-year vocational and life skills course open only to qualified graduates of the Academy's two-year program. The program's major goals are to improve performance skills, learn and practice skills to obtain employment in jobs with music content, and improve independent living skills. Participating students combine seminars, skills development and field work with supervised apartment living and career training in either Performance or Music and Human Service.

Students in the Performance Track work on developing essential skills to become more polished and marketable performers. They focus on building and expanding repertoire, learning professional stage etiquette and practices, maintaining equipment, sets and costumes, and honing their performance skills in preparation for fieldwork. These students obtain performance engagements at such venues as conferences, social service agencies, churches, schools, nursing homes, retirement communities, day care centers, memorial services, weddings, private parties, and community festivals and fund raising events.

Students in the Music and Human Services Track learn essential skills needed to work as a music aide with both older adult and younger child populations. These include exploring the psychology of the young and the elderly, developing population specific repertoire and accompaniment skills, creating a planned program, appropriate social and physical boundaries, and working with a supervisor. Placements in such venues as day care and senior centers are planned and developed according to each student's interests and strengths where they lead musical activities such as sing-alongs, movement exercises, and games. Students are in the field three half days a week supervised by Academy staff.

All Music In Careers students participate in the MIC Life Skills Lab which provides a hands-on learning environment to enhance their independent living skills. These include money management, food shopping, menu planning and meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care, emergency procedures and safety precautions, appropriate communication and interpersonal conflict resolution.

SUMMER PROGRAM

The Berkshire Hills Music Academy's Summer Program offers an exceptional summer camp experience for young adults between 16 and 25 with special learning needs who have a strong interest in exploring their musical abilities. Under the encouraging guidance of the high-caliber teaching staff, summer program participants have an opportunity to try a variety of musical, recreational and enrichment activities, and to enjoy some of the rich cultural resources of the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts.

Summer activities include:

• Voice, keyboard or instrument lessons
• Chorus and Ensemble
• Nature exploration and outdoor games
• Talent shows
• Dances
• Guest performers

To learn more about our Summer Program, click here or contact Elizabeth Hart at 413-540-9720, ext. 202 or eharerkshirehills.org.

The Berkshire Hills Music Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. The Berkshire Hills Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer.