Frequently Asked Questions

At Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA), we know families and professionals have many questions as they explore our unique post-secondary program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Below are some of the most common questions we receive.

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Still have questions? Email us at admissions@berkshirehills.org — we’re here to help!

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Program Fit & Eligibility

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Q. Do applicants need to be highly musical?
A. Not at all! While music is central to our programming, applicants don’t need to be experienced musicians. We welcome individuals of all abilities who have a love of music and a willingness to participate and learn.

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Q. How independent should an applicant be?
A. Independence looks different for everyone. Successful candidates can use the restroom independently and demonstrate basic self-care skills. Verbal prompts and limited physical support are available as needed.

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Q. Does BHMA support students who use communication devices?
A. Yes. While most students communicate verbally, some use augmentative communication devices like tablets or apps. All students must be able to express their wants and needs to staff or peers.

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Q. Can applicants apply directly to the LIVE Program?
A. No. All students begin in our Transition Track (formerly called the Two-Year Transition Program). Program placement and progress are individualized based on skills and goals.

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Q. How long can someone attend BHMA?
A. There’s no cap on how long a student may stay, as long as they continue to benefit. Most begin between ages 18–23 and continue into their 30s.

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Q. What percent of students move into the LIVE Program?
A. Approximately 85–90% of students matriculate into our LIVE Program after completing the Transition Track.

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Health & Wellness

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Q. Does BHMA accept students with mental health diagnoses?
A. The most common mental health diagnosis of individuals at BHMA is anxiety. Some also experience depression or mild OCD. These diagnoses can present challenges periodically, but generally do not impede their ability to manage themselves or their daily schedule. BHMA is unable to support significant mental health needs or behaviors that require physical intervention or restraint. .

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Q. Do you accept students with seizure disorders?

A. We are not currently accepting new residential or day students who have a seizure disorder which requires a rescue medication. In order to provide quality residential and day experiences, we maintain a staffing ratio that allows our individuals to participate in a variety of activities while ensuring their medication is available if needed.  This necessarily limits the number of people we can service. If you have questions about this please email the admissions office: admissions@berkshirehills.org. 

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Q. What about other medical needs?
A. BHMA has a full-time nurse and trained staff to administer medications. We do not provide 24-hour medical care, so applicants must have well-controlled conditions manageable within our staffing model.

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Q. How is medication managed at BHMA?

A. We operate under the Medication Administration Program, commonly known as MAP.  This program is overseen by the Department of Public Health and allows specially trained unlicensed staff to administer medications to individuals living in group homes.  Staff are overseen by a specially trained MAP Supervisor and the Health and Wellness Coordinator. 

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Tuition & Funding​​

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Q. How are programs funded?
A. We accept funding through:

​1. School districts

2. The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

3. Private pay
4. Combinations are also possible (e.g., district-funded day services, privately funded residential)

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Q. What are the tuition rates?

A. For families paying privately, the approximate cost of tuition for the 2024-2025 residential academic year (September to May) is $77,411.88.  For families paying privately, the cost of tuition for the residential fiscal year (this includes summer) is $98,463.46.

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For families paying privately, the approximate cost of tuition for the 2024-2025 day (not residential) academic year (September to May) is $47,297.91.  For families paying privately, the cost of tuition for the day fiscal year (this includes summer) is $70,506.07.

Q. Is the Summer Program still offered?
A. We no longer offer a traditional Summer Program (camp). However, we do run a Summer Extension semester for currently enrolled students.

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General Information

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Q. What is the breakdown of student diagnoses?
A. Our current student body is approximately:

     40% Autism Spectrum

     20% Williams Syndrome

     15% Down syndrome

     25% Other (e.g., global developmental delays, chromosomal deletions)

Q. Do you offer private music lessons to community members?
A. At this time, lessons are only available to enrolled BHMA students.

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Q. Are you on social media?
A. Yes! Follow us on social media to see student performances, events, and daily life on campus. 

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Q. I'm Traveling from out of town, are their local accomodations?

A. BHMA has a discounted room rate at Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield/ Chicopee. When you call the hotel share the group code Berkshire Hills Music Academy when booking a room.  

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A local accommodation in South Hadley is Carson's Bed and Breakfast and Salon, less than a mile from campus.

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Another local accommodation is The Willits-Hallowell Conference Center & Hotel at Mount Holyoke College.

Q. How do I know if my loved one is a fit for BHMA?​

A. Learn more about our Admissions Process here: https://www.berkshirehills.org/admissionsprocess

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