Is BHMA a Good Fit for You?

Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) is a unique post-secondary program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a passion for music. Our participants thrive in a supportive, structured environment designed to foster independence, social growth, and vocational readiness. To ensure success in our program, applicants should meet the following criteria:

General Admissions Criteria

Applicants should:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have an intellectual or developmental disability such as Autism, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, global developmental delays, or other similar diagnoses.
Have a strong interest in music and the performing arts.
Have basic self-care skills and be able to manage personal hygiene with minimal support.
Demonstrate emotional and behavioral stability that allows them to participate in a structured program.
Show a willingness to engage in group activities, classes, and social opportunities.
Have the ability to navigate a campus-style setting with supervision but without one-on-one support throughout the day.
Have functional communication skills (verbal, AAC, or written).
Be free from aggressive, self-injurious, or disruptive behaviors that could pose a safety concern to themselves or others.
Be motivated to work toward increased independence in daily living, social, and vocational skills.

Residential Criteria

For participants who will be living on campus, additional residential expectations include:

The ability to live in a dorm-style setting with a roommate and communal areas.
The ability to independently manage nighttime routines with minimal prompting.
The ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations (fire alarms, medical concerns, etc.).
The ability to be regulated and compliant with medication that is needed daily or as a rescue medication.
A history of appropriate social and personal boundaries with peers and staff.

Music Criteria

BHMA is designed for students who have a passion for music. While participants are not required to be highly skilled musicians, those who are serious in their study of music and/or have intermediate to advanced skills are also encouraged to apply. Musically advanced participants thrive in our immersive environment, gaining professional performance experience and expanding their creative expression through collaboration and mentorship.

Applicants should:

Show a desire to use music as a tool for personal growth, communication, and vocational development.
Understand that not every class will have music as there are life skills and vocational based classes, but music will still be a part of your everyday.

Have a demonstrated interest in music, singing, or performing arts.
Be willing to participate in individual and group music instruction.
Be open to performing in recitals, concerts, and community events.

Is BHMA a Good Fit for You?

Berkshire Hills Music Academy is designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a passion for music and a desire to grow in their independence. While every student is unique, those who thrive at BHMA generally share the following characteristics:

Musical Passion & Engagement

Do you have a strong interest in music, singing, or performing arts?
Are you excited to participate in music classes, ensembles, and performances?
Are you open to using music as a tool for personal growth, communication, and social engagement?

Learning & Social Readiness

Are you motivated to learn new skills and participate in a structured program?
Can you engage in group learning, social events, and community activities?
Do you have basic functional communication skills (verbal, AAC, or written)?

Daily Living & Independence

Can you manage basic self-care and hygiene routines with minimal support?
Can you follow schedules, routines, and staff guidance throughout the day?
Are you able to navigate a campus-style setting with some supervision but without one-on-one support at all times?

Behavior, Mental Health & Safety

Do you demonstrate emotional and behavioral stability in structured settings?
Can you regulate your emotions and interact respectfully with peers and staff?
Are you free from behaviors that could pose a safety concern to yourself or others (such as aggression, elopement, or self-injury)?
Are you in good mental health and not in need of ongoing therapeutic or clinical support for significant behavioral or emotional challenges? (BHMA is not a therapeutic or behavioral program and is not equipped to provide intensive mental health services.)

If you answered "Yes" to most of these questions,

BHMA could be a great fit for you!

Next Steps:

If you believe BHMA aligns with your goals, we encourage you to explore our programs, schedule a tour, or start the admissions process. Our admissions team is happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions via a Zoom call or an in person visit: admissions@berkshirehills.org or complete the linked inquiry form.