Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! These day camps in the Los Angeles area feature programs in music, dance, visual art, theater, and more, so you can learn about available options offering activities your child would be interested in. Some of these camps and classes are specifically designed for kids with disabilities while others are inclusive of all abilities. This article has plenty of tips on questions to ask to help you find the right summer camp.
Be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for information about getting support from Regional Center to fund a camp and/or aide for your child!
Website
Mailing address:
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class for more individualized attention. Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25, but class size depends on overall enrollment for that week. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook, which will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology focused. Campers write a short story and then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animatic by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. The staff keeps the environment fun and active as they teach, so kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
Type of camp: In-person
Dates and times: Two-week camps held between June 16 and August 8, 2025. Camp runs 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily. Camp dates in the Los Angeles area are listed below:
Location: Bay Area and Southern California. 2025 camps in the Los Angeles area are located Brentwood, Calabasas, and Redondo Beach.
Age: Students entering 1st to 8th grades in fall 2025 Cost: Varies depending on location. The nine-day camp in Brentwood will cost $995, and the ten-day camps being offered in Calabasas and Redondo Beach will cost $1,099.
Registration: Registration links are listed above with camp dates.
Disabilities served: While this is not a camp specifically designed for children with disabilities, they do have children with disabilities attend. They ask in their registration process if your child has a 504 or IEP at school to determine what support may be needed to achieve a successful camp experience. This may be in the form of incorporating additional movement breaks or being mindful of sensory needs when they host their daily assemblies with the entire camp meeting together. They will reach out to the caregivers prior to camp to get specific information on the supports needed. They do not have the staff to provide 1:1 aides, but their camps are led by credentialed teachers and the camp directors are also credentialed.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend with the camper. If a child has a 1:1 aide at school, please provide for the camp.
Website
info@theartsywagon.com
(323) 363-2621
The Artsy Wagon offers art classes in the comfort of your home. Activities are customized for the location, child’s age, and ability. Choose from arts and crafts, theatrical games, music, movement, and STEM. Children will learn math, literature, and art history; expand their vocabulary; and work on gross and fine motor skills while having fun. This summer’s themes are pirates and mermaids, little Einsteins, unicorns and rainbows, and a crazy time machine. A minimum of four children must enroll with at least 15 square feet of space to work. Instructors must have access to water, and the host house is required to store supplies during the camp. Each camp lasts a week.
Format: In-person programs
Dates and times: Ongoing, Monday to Friday; 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Ages: 2.5–10 years old
Cost:
Registration: Register here.
1:1 aide: A 1:1 aide is welcome.
Website
Los Angeles
(818) 649-9336
patrick@danimationentertainment.com
Danimation is the teaching studio of Dani Bowman, an animator and activist featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Danimation’s summer workshop is designed to unleash the creativity of students with autism. Danimation uses the collaborative nature of the animation process to develop social and emotional learning techniques that foster creativity and build valuable skills for the future. “During the workshop, your student will learn all the components necessary to create their very own short animated story. From animation principles to storyboarding, voice acting, and music, they’ll gain a complete understanding of the art of storytelling through animation. Your student will get hands-on experience with industry-standard animation software, including FlipaClip and ToonBoom.”
Dates: July 7-11, 2025 (dates are tentative). The camp will run Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Ages: 10–24 years
Cost: $695 per week with a price increase for those who register after June 1, 2025. Danimation is a Regional Center vendor, takes Self-Determination funding, and also accepts private pay. Students can try a free introductory workshop online to see if it’s a good fit.
Registration: To register, fill out their online registration form here.
Disabilities served: Youth with autism and other students who benefit from a neurodivergent-friendly learning environment.
Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199
reception@speakLA.com
This drama-based summer camp is led by the speech language pathologists at L.A. Speech & Language Therapy Center. Serving children with autism, speech or language disabilities, and developmental disabilities, Drama Kings and Queens focuses specifically on performing arts and culminates with a musical theater performance. The therapists facilitate social, emotional, speech and language development, and confidence-building in students with autism and other social challenges.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates and times: June 16–July 25, 2025
Location: Culver City
Ages: 3–16 years old
Disabilities served: For children with all levels of support needs, including those who use AAC.
Cost: $7,500. Funding may be provided by Regional Center.
Register: Register online using the form at the bottom of the camp page.
1:1 aide: Normally, the staff-to-camper ratio is 1:2, but 1:1 is available depending on the camper’s needs.
Website
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
admin@themiracleproject.org
info@themiracleproject.org
The Miracle Project offers inclusive programming in theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts for both speaking and non-speaking people with autism and other disabilities. Their goal is to foster community and help participants develop social skills and build self-esteem. In addition to their improvisation-based social skills groups, the Miracle Project has classes focused on acting and musical theater. Families may reach out to the Miracle Project staff to get more information about different classes.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: While they do not currently have their schedule and dates for summer 2025, Expressive Arts classes typically last around 15 weeks over the summer term. The Social Skills classes, called "Improv for Interaction," operate on a rolling basis; they will continue throughout the summer and can be joined at any time.
Location: Beverly Hills and online
Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the class you choose
Cost: Fees for Expressive Arts classes are approximately $50 each. Social skills classes are $71.39 per class and are covered for Regional Center clients. Self-Determination funding can be used for both. Partial scholarships are available.
Registration: For social skills groups, choose one from the list and fill out the accompanying form. After that, the Program Director and Clinical Supervisor will reach out to you to schedule a trial class, so you can get a feel for the group and proceed with enrollment. They will match the child with the class that best suits their needs. If you’re interested in signing up for Expressive Arts classes, check back on the website in the spring for summer registration or contact them directly.
Website
1453 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 450-9200
info@paintlab.net
Paint Lab is an open-space art studio that offers classes to adults, teens, and kids throughout the week. In addition, they offer an “open lab” for people to come in and paint. They also sell supplies such as paints and canvases. Their summer camp for kids will be a mixed-media art camp; parents can provide supplies themselves or contact Paint Lab for purchasing supplies. Daily art classes and workshops are available. Please check out their class schedule. Summer camps will return again this year in addition to the ongoing classes.
Format: In-person and online classes, summer camp
Dates and times: Week-long art camps will be held June 9–August 29, 2025. They offer a variety of sessions depending on how long of a camp your child will want. These include morning sessions (9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.,) morning sessions with lunch (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), afternoon sessions (1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.), afternoon sessions with lunch (11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), and full-day sessions (9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Families can book their child for a week-long camp or a single day.
Ages: 6–12 years old
Cost:
Registration: Call (310) 450-9200. Download the registration form here.
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 356-7529
education@pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theater. Their productions and community programs are centered on “being a living force in the community, making theater for everyone.” Their current model is to treat each student on a case-by-case basis and work with their parents to figure out if the classes or camps would be a good fit for them.
Dates: All camps run 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Ages:
Cost:
Registration:
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcomed.
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
2038 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 363-7924
info@thepurpletwig.com
The Purple Twig offers weekly summer camps in a range of themes. They are a well-balanced combination of teacher-led art-making activities and free play time. They go for neighborhood walks and have picnic lunches in front of Eagle Rock Elementary. They also read stories and visit the library on Fridays. The staff works hard to create projects that are age appropriate, and they ask that you don't register your child for camp if they don't like to make art. Their camps are limited to sixteen kids. If your child has autism or has a learning challenge, please reach out to them to assess whether they can meet your child's needs before registering.
Format: In-person art camp
Dates: June 9-August 29, 2025. See camp descriptions and schedule here.
Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the type of art projects
Cost: $525 per week
Registration: Registration link
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child. Please contact them directly.
Website
thespectrumlaboratory@gmail.com
The Spectrum Laboratory was founded by two artists who have an extensive background working with neurodivergent individuals at theater programs such as the Miracle Project, Tree Academy and CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshops. They teamed up to provide a space to have \neurodivergent voices heard in the entertainment industry and inspire creativity. They offer workshops and classes year-round for all abilities to participate in.
Format: In-person and online
Dates: Classes are year-round. Classes offered include:
Location: Varies depending on the program enrolled in. Some locations include The Anything Box in North Hollywood, Victory Theater in Burbank, Leo Beck Temple in Los Angeles, and Grandis Creation in Signal Hill
Ages: All ages
Cost: Varies depending on the program. They accept Self-Determination funds.
Registration: Register via the enrollment link, or use their online contact form.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Website
23537 Long Valley Road
Hidden Hills, CA 91302
(818) 835-4962
info@starsacademyschool.com
Stars Academy hosts a theater production each summer. This summer, they will be performing Newsies. Children who enjoy acting, singing, and dancing can participate in their productions. All levels of experience are accepted. Their camp day is filled with dancing, singing, acting, and theater games. This year, they will also have a teen production late July to August. Details for this will be posted on their website soon. The show will be Mean Girls and is for teens ages 13 and up.
Format: In-person performance camp
Dates: June 23-July 25, 2025; shows on the weekend of July 26–27, 2025. Camp runs 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Auditions will be June 14, 2025, but all campers make the show; the auditions are to determine the specific roles each camper will play in the production.
Location: Hamakom Temple, West Hills
Ages: 5–15 years old
Cost: $1,700 with a deposit of $200. This organization may be a vendor with your Regional Center, so please check with your Regional Center coordinator to inquire about social-recreation funds covering part or all of the cost to participate.
Registration: Sign up online.
Disabilities served: This camp has worked with students with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome and autism. Students with varying levels of support needs are welcome.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Website
(323)655-9232
Three locations:
YADA Third Street Theatre
8115 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
YADA Playa Vista
5456 McConnell Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
YADA Studio City
12745 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
YADA was created 27 years ago by co-owners Lani Shipman and Kim Harrigan to encourage children to grow as people as well as performers. YADA instructors are trained and dedicated to providing each student with a sense of self-confidence and giving them a quality theatrical experience. YADA students learn techniques in dance, voice, and acting. YADA is not a company specifically for those with disabilities, but it is an inclusive space for all youth to participate and enjoy the experience of creating theatrical art. They offer year-round programming for youth and adults.
Format: In-person performance camp
Programs: The 2025 summer camps being offered include:
Dates: June 9-August 22, 2025. See the YADA 2025 summer camp schedule.
Location: Yada 3rd Street, Playa Vista, Studio City
Ages: 0–16 years depending on the camp
Cost:
Registration: Use this registration link.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Agoura Hills Studio:
30317 Canwood Street
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Reseda Studio:
7915 Lindley Ave
Reseda, CA 91335
(805) 524-5503
info@balletforallkids.com
Contact: Bonnie Schlachte, Director
Ballet For All Kids is a nonprofit program that “teaches classical ballet technique and other dance styles using the Schlachte Method, a certified curriculum developed to accommodate all abilities, body types, and learning styles.” They share that this method has been successful in teaching children with autism, learning and developmental disabilities, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and ADHD, in addition to neurotypical children. You are invited to contact them directly for questions and regarding accommodations for your child.
Format: Virtual and in-person programs
Dates and times: The classes are structured by semester, but you may sign up for a free trial class at any time as they offer open enrollment.
Location: In-person classes are in Reseda and Agoura Hills.
Ages: 2 years old and up, including teens and adults
Cost: In-person classes pay the semester tuition fee plus a $25 registration fee. Tuition is prorated throughout the semester.
Register: To register, create an account and begin the registration process here.
1:1 aide: They are allowing 1:1 aides in the class. Parents are expected to stay on the premises at all times and to assist their child in class if needed.
Website
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 982-1655
info@bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
Offering a wide range of music and dance classes in-studio, outdoors, or online, Bloom School of Music and Dance offers an initial trial session for $20, giving prospective students the chance to meet with their instructor and get a feel for the program before making a longer commitment. A number of the instructors at Bloom School have worked with students with disabilities, but their availability is dependent on the particular class in which you are interested. You may contact Bloom directly to know if the class and programs offered are the right fit for your child’s ability level. Bloom is comfortable providing virtual instruction if that works best for the student. Registration for classes is ongoing. A general schedule can be found on their website, but they request that prospective students contact the school for specific dates.
Format: In-person classes and summer day camp
Dates and times: June 23-27, 2025, and July 30-July 4, 2025. The camp will run from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily with an early dismissal on Fridays at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Eagle Rock. They have recently added a new outdoor area and redesigned indoor spaces for their summer camp to accommodate in-person dancing, music-making, instrument creativity, and more.
Ages: For year-round classes, all ages are welcome. Summer programs are for ages 4 and up depending on the camp.
Cost: 2025 summer camp tuition is $545 per week. Year-round classes vary in price depending on the program or class. For students 13 years old and above, Bloom offers private music lessons for $49 per session or $196 per month for four scheduled sessions. They also offer a selection of dance classes at $116 per month.
Register: The 2025 summer camps are currently full. Please call them to be placed on the waitlist. For year-round classes, please select a program here.
1:1 aide: Bloom will accommodate 1:1 aides.
Website
Dance 4 Kids Brentwood
11677 San Vicente Blvd. #312
Brentwood, CA 90049
(916) 586-4884
info@free2bemedance.com
Contact: [Azalia Martinez Cruz](mailto:http:// azalia@free2bemedance.org), Program Coordinator
Free 2 Be Me Dance is an adaptive dance program that brings the joy of dance to people with diverse abilities. Currently, they offer ballet, Latin, improv, choreography, and hip-hop classes where dancers have the opportunity to learn technique and to perform. A typical class begins with a warm-up methodology called BrainDance, followed by exercises and stretches. Their approach is rooted in meaningful connections, meeting each dancer where they are at, and ensuring that they and their families feel genuinely loved, supported, and celebrated from the moment they walk in the door. In ballet, they practice barre work, center work, choreography, and a cool-down. Each class incorporates structured play activities that encourage community-building, social skills, compassion, and physical development. At the end of each class, dancers have the opportunity to shine in freestyle that brings out their unique expression, boosts self-confidence, and empowers them to be exactly who they are.
Dates: Sessions are ongoing throughout the year with classes held throughout the week. Currently, they have open enrollment for their spring classes that run from February 2 to May 25, 2025. Email [Program Coordinator Azalia Martinez Cruz](mailto:http:// azalia@free2bemedance.org) with any questions.
Location: Brentwood
Ages: There is no age limit for their program, and they serve everyone regardless of diagnosis. They serve all “who wish to come, dance, and have fun.”
Cost: Classes range $200-400 per semester.
Register: Use this registration link. They are currently registering for spring 2025. Check back in late spring for information on their summer 2025 classes.
1:1 aide: If a dancer needs behavioral support during class, the staff welcomes aides, caregivers, or family members to join them in class and work with the student.
Website
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
reception.SCM@outlook.com
Silverlake Conservatory of Music was founded in 2001, offering music lessons and scholarships to students in need as a response to the funding cuts in arts education in Los Angeles public schools. The conservatory offers private lessons at their facility, which features 13 studios. Most of their instructors are experienced working with children with disabilities. Their facility is ADA-compliant. According to Outreach and Development Coordinator Ashley Macias, they request that interested families contact the conservatory for a discussion regarding the support needs of their student in order to determine availability and the parameters of the instruction.
Format: In-person camp and lessons
Dates and times: 2025 summer camp hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Los Feliz
Ages: 5 years old and up. Youth camp is for students entering second to eighth grade in the fall, and teen camp for students entering seventh to twelfth grade in the fall of 2025.
Cost:
Registration: 2025 summer camp registration opens March 3, 2025. Call (323) 665-3363 to register. To register for ongoing classes, please contact them directly.
1:1 aides: The presence of a 1:1 aide is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Website
Multiple locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Pasadena
(213) 559-7178
Contact: Robin Olive, Director of Straight UP Abilities
Straight UP Abilities offers “professional performance art training to students of ALL abilities.” The programs are open to everyone as they pride themselves in creating more inclusion in their classes. They provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and American Sign Language. They also have a free option: the Daily Shine class Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, Venice
Ages: The classes are for all ages and all abilities.
Cost: $75 per month for a weekly in-person class or their online classes, with a $25 registration fee.
Register: Sign up via the registration form.
1:1 aide: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
Website
6043 Tampa Ave.
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 345-3002
Contact: Mike Stilson, Executive Director
Valley Trails Tarzana will offer a variety of visual and performing arts camps this summer including Theater Camp, Dance Camp, Cheer Camp, and Movie Making. These camps are not specifically for children with disabilities, but they do welcome all campers and will work with families to see if their camp is a good fit for them.
Format: In-person day camp
Dates:
Location: Tarzana
Register: Enrollment link
Cost:
Ages: K-8th grade depending on camp chosen
1:1 aides: Contact Executive Director Mike Stilson directly to discuss the specific needs of your child. The camp cannot provide 1:1 aides directly but will work with the family to see if the camp program is a good fit for their child and will allow 1:1 aides to attend. They do request that the family sends the same aide throughout the entire week.
Website
Multiple locations throughout Southern California
(424) 284-8444
Arabesque Conservatory of Music offers a wide range of music lessons and music therapy for children 3 years and up. They offer individual sessions in home, in studio, or online, and group lessons are offered both in studio and online. For music lessons, they currently offer piano, guitar, voice, violin, and drum lessons. More information on the music therapy they offer can be found here.
Format: In-person and online
Dates and times: Varies depending on programming chosen. They offer a variety of programming. Go online to choose the music lessons that best fit your needs. Music therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, one to two times per week. Go online to choose the services for music therapy that best fit your current needs.
Location: Throughout Southern California and online
Ages: 3 years and up
Cost: Varies depending on programming. Currently, they do not accept insurance. They are contracted with twelve Regional Centers statewide and are in the process of contracting with others. They also accept Self-Determination funds for payment.
Registration: Contact them directly to sign up or go online to fill out an inquiry form for music therapy and music lessons.
Website
Offices located throughout Southern California
General information: (858) 251-7901
Benefits team: (858) 216-8837
Cortica offers diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based therapies for child development, including Neurodevelopmental Music Therapy. They apply the tools of neurotherapy to “foster language, sensory integration, and motor planning and execution.” Cortica does not offer music lessons in which a student is instructed in playing an instrument, but they utilize music therapy as part of a comprehensive therapeutic program. Cortica currently offers their music therapy online as an option.
Format: In-person and online
Dates: Scheduling for therapy will be conducted after an initial consultation.
Location: Southern California locations including Glendale, Torrance, and Westlake Village
Ages: Cortica has clients as young as eight months old with an upper age limit of 21 years old. Generally, the clients enrolled in the music therapy program are teenagers.
Cost: Cortica is contracted with a wide range of health insurance providers. Prospective clients are asked to contact Cortica’s benefits team, who will conduct a benefit check and cost estimate prior to scheduling.
Register: Appointments can be made by calling the general information line or by filling out their online form.
1:1 aide: Yes, an aide is acceptable, but Cortica has to approve the aide.
Website
California State University of Northridge
18111 Nordoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-5663
csunmtwc@csun.edu
The C-Sun Music Therapy Wellness Clinic offers a kids summer music group for all abilities. It is led by a Board Certified Music Therapist. The class “includes musical experiences of singing, creative movement, musical games, music listening, and instrument playing to promote the development of communication, attention, and social skills in children.” Other year-round programs for kids include the Rising Star Choir, an adaptive singing group that practices weekly and performs twice annually. Participants are introduced to a range of musical selections and genres while working on teamwork and other key social skills. For teens and young adults, an inclusive music group called the Asteroids Band meets weekly to compose their own songs and learn to play instruments such as guitar, ukulele, or drums. These groups are free of charge and have two performances per year (May and December) for friends and family. Group and individual music therapy is also available through the clinic.
Format: In-person
Dates: Varies depending on program.
Location: California State University, Northridge
Ages: Varies. The Rising Star Choir is specifically for 5–12 years, and the Astroid Band is for teens to early adulthood.
Cost: Free
Register: To sign up for their summer and/or ongoing programs, please email csunmtwc@csun.edu or call and leave a message with your contact information to (818) 677-5663.
1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
16340 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 302-0712
Contact: Blanca Arenas, Administrator
At CampEd, they offer expressive arts or outdoor adventures that are designed to match the abilities and interests of each individual. Their camps are for all abilities with activities and classes in computer, improv, music, dance, and art. Camp also includes trips to the beach, Discovery Cube, and the Wildlife Learning Center.
Format: In-person
Dates: The 2025 summer camp dates are tentatively scheduled to run from July 7 to August 15, 2025. Camp hours will be 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The location will be confirmed in spring. Check back here or email Blanca Arenas to be notified.
Location: Van Nuys
Ages: 10–30 years
Cost: $900 per week
Register: Email Administrator Blanca Arenas.
-1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
16133 Ventura Blvd. 7th Floor
Encino, CA 91435
(818) 394-0649
info@harmonicchanges.com
Harmonic Changes offers Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Neurologic Music Therapy, and Adapted Music Lessons for a wide range of instruments. They offer customized lesson plans designed for each student based on their interests and abilities, incorporating whole-body learning and potentially including multiple instruments. Harmonic Changes staff members are Board-Certified Music Therapists with specialized training and years of experience. They also offer a number of free virtual events to foster community involvement and promote the therapeutic benefits of music.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: Harmonic Changes can provide scheduling options following a free consultation session.
Location: Harmonic Changes is based in Chicago and Los Angeles, but they offer virtual services globally.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Harmonic Changes can provide a cost estimate following a free consultation session.
Register: Enrollment begins by filling out their free consultation request.
1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
10220 Culver Blvd. Suite 101
Culver City, CA 90232
info@jazzhandsforautism.org
Jazz Hands for Autism offers a 12-week program, known as the Junior Academy, for autistic youth who are interested in learning piano or guitar. Lessons are conducted individually with an instructor who has designed a personalized curriculum based on a student’s particular needs and abilities. Classes are offered via Zoom or at the student’s home.
Format: Online and in-person programs
Dates: The Junior Academy, is a 12-week session throughout the year. Students can enroll in as many consecutive sessions as they wish upon completion of a continuation form.
Location: The studio is located in Culver City, but they accept enrollment from anywhere for virtual instruction.
Ages: The Junior Academy accepts students ages 8–17 years. Adult students can enroll in the Jazz Hands Music Academy, which is an individualized music education and vocational program for adults with one to two years’ prior experience in their instrument. The adult program also provides job scouting and job placement in music-related fields.
Cost:
Register: To register, fill out their online application. Once the form is completed, schedule a time to meet with the Executive Director by setting up a Zoom meeting.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides and/or parents are encouraged to participate in the lessons.
Lyon Music provides in-home 1:1 sessions or virtual 1:1 and group sessions to students for music therapy and adaptive music lessons. They use a combination of book methods with music theory and fun songs assigned to keep a student motivated to practice and stay engaged. In-home music therapy sessions are available throughout the Los Angeles area and in the San Fernando Valley. They offer adapted lessons as well as typical music therapy sessions that are more play-based. All of their services use music interventions to meet non-musical goals, supporting the client's development.
Format: In-person and online
Dates and times: Varies depending on services
Location: Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and online
Ages: All ages
Cost:
Registration: Use the links for music lesson registration and music therapy registration.
Website
Located within Sky Pediatric Therapy
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 348-4248
cm@mckeemusictherapy.com
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages. Executive Director Christine Deelo says she “would be happy to speak with the parents on how we can help their child improve communication, behavior, and cognitive skills using music therapy.” All their music therapists maintain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates and times: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Christine Deelo for scheduling options.
Location: They’re based in Irvine and can possibly provide home visits in the Greater Los Angeles area depending on the client’s circumstances. They also accept enrollment from anywhere for their virtual therapy services.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Cost depends on several factors, such as location and session length. Estimates can be provided after a consultation with Christine Deelo. They are a Regional Center vendor and contracted with local school districts.
Register: Contact McKee via email or phone to begin the registration process.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides can be accommodated.
Website
Offices in Santa Monica and Redondo Beach
(818) 877-6797
Contact: John Mews, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Owner and Founder
Mewsic Moves has been offering music therapy to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities since 2004. They offer clinical, evidence-based therapy that helps children and individuals accomplish their goals. They carefully incorporate musical elements into specifically designed programs that are “effective at targeting and improving a range of skills including social, communication, learning, memory, behavioral, emotional, and self-regulation.” They provide a variety of services such as Individual Support, Tele Music Therapy, Glee Choir, Virtual Glee Choir, and Social Skills. Sessions are 1:1 or in a group. Program goals are created following an initial assessment and are revised once they are achieved. Staff members have experience working with clients who use an AAC device, and they are accustomed to incorporating that into their sessions frequently. In addition, they are hoping to start an in-person adult Glee Choir soon as well as a music therapy social skills group for interested families. They offer a free 30-minute consultation where they will discuss your child’s goals and how music therapy could support them.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: Ongoing 10–week and 12-week sessions depending on program selected.
Location: In-person in Santa Monica, in-home if located in the South Bay, and virtual sessions are also available.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected.
Register: Select the service you are interested in, and you will be walked through the registration process.
1:1 aides: They love to collaborate, so if a client has an aide, they could coach them and teach them on how to continue their music therapy interventions throughout the week. They also will teach family members, parents, ABA therapist, etc.
Website
620 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 793-7350
pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
Contact: Sally Sandoval, Administrative Assistant for Young Adult Programming
The mission of Pasadena Child Development Associates is to provide quality, family-centered, multi-disciplinary services for children with disabilities using the DIR/Floortime approach. In addition to a variety of Creative Arts classes and therapies like Choir and Young Actors Club, PCDA offers private Music Therapy. Students engage in music, singing, acting, and playing instruments, and they have opportunities for self-expression while developing motor and sensory tools, cognition, and social-emotional skills. The organization offers group classes as well such as choir to allow youth to explore relationships within a dedicated performance space, celebrating music and togetherness. For teens, they have the Young Actors Squad where participants play through words, ideas, and actions within an improv group.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates: Ongoing. Dates and times will vary depending on services your child is participating in and overall interest in their program. The young adults' general socialization program is currently running, and the Choir and Young Actors Club are currently on hiatus. Contact Sally Sandoval, Administrative Assistant for Young Adult Programming, to discuss what programs are currently running for families.
Location: Pasadena
Ages: All ages
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected
Register: Fill out an online inquiry form, and they will contact you to discuss your specific wants for the program.
1:1 aides: Aides are approved on a case-by-case basis for the group classes offered depending on the overall need of the child.
Website
1726 Aviation Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90278
631 North Pacific Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 650-3968
thewondernote@gmail.com
The Wonder Note in the Southbay offers individual lessons, group classes, and band classes. Group lessons being offered vary depending on overall interest by clients. Please call them directly to check on what is currently available. The band class focuses on playing and singing together, song arrangement, and recording. The staff members have experience working with students with disabilities.
Format: In-person and online
Dates and times: Varies depending on program participating in.
Location: Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach
Ages: Certain instruments and the band program have a minimum age requirement. Please see below:
Cost:
Registration:
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are welcome. Please contact them to discuss your child’s support needs.
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