Autism Higher Education Foundation

Music Program

The Boston Conservatory Autism Project, developed by the Autism Higher Education Foundation in partnership with the prestigious Boston Conservatory, is a groundbreaking, first in the nation music program for young musicians with an ASD diagnosis.

The program’s objective is to develop musical talents and abilities such that the students may eventually have the musical skills to apply to a Conservatory or College Music Program at age 18.

Program Description

Fifteen students between the ages of 9 and 17 have the opportunity to take individualized weekly music lessons at the Boston Conservatory in either piano or violin. Each student is paired with a Boston Conservatory Music Education graduate student for up to one hour lessons taking place on Saturdays. Many of the music education graduate students have broad musical backgrounds and can support young students who wish to study classical music, popular music, folk music, and jazz music on their instruments.

Each student is further supported by a Consultative Team, including a Music Therapist, a Speech Pathologist, special educators, and professional musicians and/or music educators with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. The Consultative Team supports the student by troubleshooting issues that may arise in the learning process.

In addition, generalization of the music lesson to the home environment is effectuated on a weekly basis through computer based ooVoo video conferencing between the student (and/or caregiver) and Music instructor. Recitals and ensemble opportunities are included in each student’s programming as appropriate.

Program Dates and Cost

Lessons are up to one hour in duration on Saturdays commencing October 4, 2008 and follow the Boston Conservatory’s academic calendar. The first semester of instruction will end on Saturday, December 6, 2008 with no instruction taking place on Saturday, November 28, 2008 (Thanksgiving weekend).

The second semester of instruction will commence on February 7, 2009 and will end on May 2, 2009 with no instruction on February 21, 2009 and April 25, 2009 (public school vacation weeks) and no instruction on March 14 and March 22, 2009 (Boston Conservatory spring recess).

Cost per student is $1500 per semester.

We are currently accepting applications for the second semester. For application materials, you may send inquiries through our contact page.

Student Requirements

• Student must have a documented ASD diagnosis.
• Student must have a basic proficiency in the instrument of piano or violin (i.e. can play without hand over hand instruction).
• Parent/caregiver must be on premises while lesson is in session.
• Prospective students (and caregivers) will be interviewed by the Autism Higher Education Foundation to determine eligibility for the program.
  

For inquiries please go to our Contact Page.