Groundbreaking music education arrives in southwest Florida

Rendering of the Southwest Florida Music Education Center

Rendering of the Southwest Florida Music Education Center campus

There will soon be a music education center to sing about in southwest Florida. Developed in partnership with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs, the Southwest Florida Music Education Center (SWFLMEC) provides music education and life skills development to young adults with neurodivergent skills.

“It is well documented that most neurodivergent young adults face major challenges in preparing for higher education and working life,” said Rob Moher, founder and chairman of the SWFLMEC. “Right now there are few programs in the United States that are designed to fill this gap. We are fortunate to partner with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs to develop a high quality music education program for neurodivergent young adults in southwest Florida. By providing state-of-the-art holistic music education and mentoring, we prepare students for meaningful growth opportunities and at the same time create a path to social integration, employment and enrichment. “

Jen Clark, Southwest Florida Music Education CenterJennifer Clark

SWFLMEC hired Jennifer Clark as vice president of the organization to oversee operations, marketing, development and strategic initiatives. Clark, a graduate of the University of Florida and the Leadership Collier Class of 2021, brings extensive experience from multiple nonprofits in Southwest Florida and excels at community leadership and community impact.

The non-profit 501 (c) 3 will provide comprehensive music education for neurodivergent individuals such as those with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, socially pragmatic communication disorders, and anxiety related disorders related to neurodiversity. At the time of enrollment, the students must be between 16 and 30 years old, have a low to moderate need for support and demonstrate that they are largely self-sufficient. Students should also have intermediate or advanced proficiency in music on one or more instruments, including voice, drums, strings, guitar, and piano / keyboard.

“We at the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs as a catalyst for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the education of the visual and performing arts are excited to partner with SWFLMEC,” said Dr. Rhoda Bernard, founding executive director of the Berklee Institute for Art Education and Special Education. “We are particularly excited to make our internationally renowned training programs and initiatives available to local educators in Florida to better prepare and support them, students with autism and related anxiety and language disorders in music classes, in the studio, and in ensembles to reach. ”

Music Students, Southwest Florida Music Education CenterMusic students

Currently, the Southwest Florida Music Education Center offers an integrated program for all interested students through The Creative Group in Naples. Specialized programs currently under development include a two-year high school graduation music certificate and a four-year post-secondary music certificate that focuses on core areas of musical skill development. Music education includes ensemble, individual tuition, and performance on one or more instruments; Music theory and ear training; Music history; and electives in areas such as music technology and production, electronic music, and songwriting. In addition to music education, students learn to manage anxiety, adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, build meaningful relationships, self-advocacy, time management, leadership roles, personal safety, business planning, branding, and entrepreneurship. Students also have the opportunity to connect the students with other students and professional musicians through peer mentoring. The educational offerings in the community will start in autumn 2021 and the two- and four-year programs will start in autumn 2023.

Phase two of the project will include a student residential center and on-site dormitory. The Southwest Florida Music Education Center is currently seeking groundbreaking support for the construction of the new music center and dormitory, including land purchase and campus development. For more information or to support the project, contact Jennifer Clark at JenC@SWFLmusic.org or 239-205-8258 or visit swflmusic.org.

See similar https://www.naplesillustrated.com/pioneering-music-education-arrives-in-southwest-florida/

The post Groundbreaking music education arrives in southwest Florida first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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