top of page

MISSION

BHMA uses a comprehensive program with music at its core to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities advance their skills for communication, independence, and employment.

5446_BHMA_Website_Background.png

OUR STORY

BHMA was founded and incorporated as a nonprofit by a group of dedicated parents and professionals in 1999. It was the first of its kind to use music to help individuals with disabilities grow their independent living skills. The vision of developing the strengths and celebrating the abilities of our students has endured over the past two decades. As the BHMA community has diversified and the campus has expanded, music and arts enrichment remain woven throughout all areas of our program. We continue to offer dynamic class options and provide innovative vocational opportunities, while empowering our individuals to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

58700007.jpg
width_1600.jpg

CAMPUS

CB_20463.jpg

Our campus is located on a forty-acre property in South Hadley, Massachusetts, in the midst of the culturally vibrant Five College Area. Overlooking a panoramic vista of mountains and within walking distance of shopping, entertainment, transportation, and employment sites, BHMA offers a rare combination of beauty and convenience.

THE VALUE OF MUSIC

Music uniquely stimulates all areas of the brain, promoting significant opportunity for enhanced learning and retention. Our highly trained staff employs the value of music to help students, regardless of experience or aptitude, improve and increase:

MusicIcon-1.png
SOCIAL SKILLS
Teamwork, problem solving, and self-advocacy
MusicIcon-2.png

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING

Focus, attention, and engagement

MusicIcon-3.png

COMMUNICATION

SKILLS

Speech, articulation, and language organization & retrieval

MusicIcon-4.png

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and organized muscle responses

bottom of page