Adaptive Music Program

About the Adaptive Music Program

CMSS’ Adaptive Music Program (AMP) was founded in 2016 to meet the needs of disabled students with high support needs in the Springfield community. Focused on total inclusivity and identity affirmation, AMP’s mission is to ensure that all learners are welcomed into the essential human experiences of making music and connecting with others through music. AMP uses the principles and methods of accessible and adaptive education to improve students’ lives and support their social, academic and artistic development. AMP staff engage in ongoing professional development on opens in a new windowneurodivergence affirmation and opens in a new windowculturally responsive music pedagogyopens PDF file .

In Springfield, over 25% of public school students have identified disabilities that impact their learning. Music is a proven and effective tool for unlocking learning potential in students with disabilities, however, in both Springfield and the entire country, music education has yet to become a universal component of a child’s education. AMP partners with public schools and education centers throughout the Pioneer Valley, providing adaptive music classes for youth in preschool through high school in their typical classroom setting during the school day. AMP is believed to be the only specialized accessible music education program in the country that delivers its services primarily in public schools where participation barriers like transportation and tuition have been removed. AMP is currently serving more than 750 students.

Adaptive Music Program Offerings

• Music instruction designed to include all learners, specifically tailored to the needs of each classroom in opens in a new windowpartner schools
• Free opens in a new windowCreate & Connect classes at CMSS for children with autism and their caregivers (photos below)
• Individual Music Therapy
• opens in a new windowProfessional development workshops for music educators and Special Education teachers, led by AMP faculty or in partnership with opens in a new windowMedley Music Access & Inclusion, a CMSS affiliate.
• opens in a new windowResources for teachers, parents, and students

CMSS offers several programs that are suitable for learners with higher support needs including autism, developmental disabilities, and more.  Please opens in a new windowclick hereopens PDF file for a chart that clarifies our various offerings so you can choose the one that best fits your or your child’s needs.

For more information, contact Hannah Berube, Adaptive Music Program Director: hberube@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email

Adaptive Music Program Impact

In a 2024 survey of Springfield Public Schools classroom staff, respondents agreed with these statements as follows:

• I have seen young people better able to express their thoughts and feelings because of their involvement with AMP: 88.3%
• I have seen young people deepen their social connections with classmates and staff because of their involvement with AMP: 91.8%
• I have seen a reduction in feelings of stress or anxiety from the young people who have been involved in AMP: 91.8%
• My students are known, respected, and valued for who they are by their AMP Teaching Artist: 96.7%
• I have seen an increased sense of confidence in the young people who have been involved in AMP: 98.3%
• I have seen young people positively impacted by exposing them to music from a variety of cultures during AMP instruction: 98.3%