Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility
1806-1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Format: In-person programs
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Session, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops, and stay tuned for summer programs at Adrian's Place Santa Monica.
Dates and times: Classes are ongoing. See the Newsletter.
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Choose a program here.
Cost: Varies depending on program or class.
Ages: Varies by program.
1:1 aides: If an aide is helpful for your child, contact the specific program you are interested in signing up for to discuss further.
30317 Canwood Road #37 Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(805) 524-5503
Director: Bonnie Schlachte
Format: Virtual and in-person programs
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 how 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. In 2022, summer camp ran the last week of July through the first two weeks of August.
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 New York City, Houston, Reseda, and Agoura Hills.
Register: Create an account and begin the registration process here.
Cost: In-person classes pay the semester tuition fee plus a $25 registration fee. Tuition is prorated throughout the semester.
Ages: 2 years old and up, including teens and adults
1:1 aides: They are allowing 1:1 aides in the class as long as they are following COVID protocols. Parents are expected to stay on the premises at all times and to assist their child in class if needed.
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 982-1655
info@bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
Format: In-person classes and summer day camp
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 a client is interested and the client’s scheduling availability. 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. Prospective clients are encouraged to call the school to discuss the availability of instructors with experience teaching students with disabilities.
Dates:
Classes:
Summer camp:
Hours:
Friday, 9:00 a.m.—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.
Register:
Cost:
Summer camp tuition:
Ages:
1:1 aides: Bloom will accommodate 1:1 aides.
Multiple locations in North Hollywood, Irvine, Los Alamitos, La Habra, and Long Beach
Artistic Director: Sari Anna Thomas
(818) 281-3723
Format: In-person and virtual programs
While most of their students have Down syndrome, Down for Dance is open to all abilities and has a handful of students who have other intellectual disabilities. Their online and in-person programs include Art Explorations, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Musical Theater. They are very open to students attending with a 1:1 aide for support, and they also have a volunteer program so that there are volunteers in the room for every class. For summer activities, please contact them directly as it gets closer, or check back here as we will update you as information becomes available.
Dates: The classes are scheduled for six-week sessions, but students are able to join mid-session, and tuition is prorated.
Location: The in-person classes are taught at different locations throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach.
Register: In-Person Programs and Online Programs
Cost: Tuition Rates
Online class tuition:
Ages: Classes are designed for ages 7 and older. If your dancer is almost 7, Down for Dance is happy to consider younger dancers on an individual basis. If your dancer is 2–6 years old and you are interested in future classes for this age group, send Down for Dance a quick email letting them know, and they will reach out as soon as they are back up and running!
1:1 aides: They are very open to having an aide offer in-class support. They would want to make sure the aide and instructor have a moment to connect prior to their first class so that everyone can be on the same page from the start.
MDance 4 Kids Brentwood
11677 San Vicente Blvd #312
Brentwood, CA 90049
(916) 586-4884
Program Coordinator: Rachel Marie Symons
Format: In-person
Free 2 Be Me Dance is an adaptive dance program that brings the joy of dance to all people with diverse abilities. Currently, they offer ballet, Latin, improv and choreography, and hip-hop classes where dancers have the opportunity to learn technique and choreography and to perform. A typical class begins with a warm-up methodology called BrainDance, followed by warm-up 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:
Classes are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Location: Brentwood
Register: How to Register
Cost: $300 per semester
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.”
1:1 aides:
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
Format: In-person camp and lessons
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 lesson studios. Most of their instructors are experienced working with children with disabilities. Their facility is ADA compliant, but according to Outreach and Development Coordinator Ashley Macias, they request that interested clients contact the conservatory for a discussion regarding the particulars of their student in order to determine availability and the parameters of the instruction.
Ongoing Classes: Schedules are available on their online calendar.
Location: Los Feliz
Register for ongoing classes: Please contact the conservatory for registration.
Cost:
Need-based financial aid is available.
Ages: 5 years old and up
1:1 aides: The presence of a 1:1 aide must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to ongoing classes, they are offering “Bring on the Music PLUS” summer camp.
Youth Camp: Summer camp is in partnership with Barnsdall Arts. Campers will “spend the day immersed in music and art, playing instruments, singing, collaborating in songwriting groups, creating visual art, making new friends and nurturing their love for all things music!”
Teen Camp: “Strong instruction and mentoring from our professional musician staff will keep campers busy all day long. They will challenge their technique, ear training, improvisation abilities, and collaboration skills. Campers will learn about the rehearsal process in ensemble settings, collaborate on songwriting, learn to structure and arrange material, and have fun along the way!”
Multiple locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Pasadena
Director of Straight UP Abilities: Robin Olive
(213) 559-7178
Format: In-person and online programs
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 currently provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and sign language classes. They also have a free option right now: the Daily Shine class Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. on Zoom. To join, go to their website.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, Venice
Register: Registration Form
Cost: $75 per month for a weekly in-person class or their online classes, with a $25 registration fee.
Ages: The classes are for all ages and all abilities.
1:1 aides: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
611 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 100
Glendale, CA 91203
Offices located throughout Southern California
General information: (858) 251-7901
Benefits team: (858) 216-8837
Format: In-person and online
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.
Dates: Scheduling for therapy will be conducted after an initial consultation.
Location: Glendale and other Southern California locations
Register: Appointments can be made by calling the general information line or by filling out their online form.
Cost: Cortica is contracted with a wide range of providers. Prospective clients are asked to contact Cortica’s benefits team, who will conduct a benefit check and cost estimate prior to scheduling.
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.
1:1 aides: Yes, an aide is acceptable, but Cortica has to approve the aide.
16133 Ventura Blvd. 7th Floor
Encino, CA 91435
Main Office:
6348 N. Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 347
Chicago, IL 60646
(818) 394-0649 info@harmonicchanges.com
Format: In-person and online programs
Harmonic Changes offers Virtual 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.
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.
Register: Enrollment begins by filling out their free consultation request.
Cost: Harmonic Changes can provide a cost estimate following a free consultation session.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aides: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
10220 Culver Blvd., Ste. 101
Culver City, CA 90232
Format: Online and in-person programs
Jazz Hands for Autism offers a 12-week program, known as the Junior Academy, for autistic children aged 8 to 17 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 home.
Dates:
Location: The studio is located in Culver City, but they accept enrollment from anywhere for virtual instruction.
Register: Register by filling out their online form.
Cost: The Jazz Hands Junior Academy offers music classes at $75 per hour. Students can take 30-minute lessons for $37.50 or 45-minute lessons for $56.25.
Ages: The Junior Academy accepts students aged 8 to 17. 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. They also provide job scouting and job placement in music-related fields.
1:1 aides: Aides and/or parents are encouraged to participate in the lessons.
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 348-4248
Format: In-person programs
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages, and they’re Regional Center vendored and contracted with local school districts. 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 (CBMT).
Dates: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Christine Deelo for scheduling options.
Location: Based in Irvine, they can possibly provide home visits in the Greater Los Angeles area depending on the client’s circumstances, but they also accept enrollment from anywhere for their virtual therapy services.
Register: Contact McKee via email or phone to begin the registration process.
Cost: Cost depends on several factors, such as location and session length. Estimates can be provided after a consultation with Christine Deelo.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aides: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Offices in Santa Monica and Redondo Beach, Torrance coming soon
(818) 877-6797
Owner and Founder: John Mews, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Format: In-person and online programs
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 one-to-one 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 can support them.
Dates: Ongoing and 10–12-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.
Register: Select the service you are interested in, and you will be walked through the registration process.
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected.
Ages: All ages
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.
620 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
(626) 793-7350 Ext. 256, Aimee Nava
Format: In-person and online programs
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, and to provide training and consultation to staff, parents, and professionals about best child development practices. In addition to a variety of Creative Arts classes and therapies, PCDA offers a Teen Club, which “is a socialization training program for teens 13–17 years old with mild to moderate social and communication challenges to help build friendships, self-confidence, and independence in the community.” Creative Arts Programs include Music Therapy, Adapted Music Lessons, Adapted Art Classes, NoteAbles Choir, and Young Actors Squad.
Adapted Music Lessons
145 North Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103
Format: In-person programs
The Armory offers a wide selection of after-school art classes and is known for supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Kids classes (ages 7–11) introduce materials, concepts, and techniques that enhance skills and encourage the playful exploration of ideas that challenge your child’s imagination.
Teen classes (ages 12–18) are in-depth art experiences that inspire teens to engage in ambitious explorations of concepts, creative expression, historical and cultural context, connections, applications, and materials. Armory teen classes are designed for all skill levels, from advanced art students to teens who simply love making art.
Dates: Summer 2023 Studio Session Dates
Location: Pasadena
Register: Spring classes.
Cost:
All materials are provided.
Ages: 7-18
1:1 aides: Contact Armory for more information.
(323) 363-2621
Format: In-person programs
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.
Dates: Ongoing, Monday to Friday
Ages: 2-10 years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Cost:
Register: Register here.
1:1 aides: A 1:1 aide is welcome.
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
Format: In-person and online programs
The Miracle Project is a fully inclusive program that combines theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts to allow individuals with autism, other disabilities, and all abilities to “develop social and job skills, enhance communication, increase self-awareness and confidence, ease anxiety, and find joy in experience.” Their mission is “to create a neurodiverse community where the voices, passions, and stories of individuals of all abilities belong and are celebrated, elevated, and supported.” The social skills and theater arts classes vary in age range, starting at 5 years old and up. Miracle Project has classes specifically designed for those who use an AAC device as well. Families may reach out directly to the Program Assistant Kate S., and the staff will be happy to answer any questions and give details about their different classes.
Dates:
Location: Santa Monica and Beverly Hills
Register:
Cost:
1453 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 450-9200
Format: In-person and online classes, summer camp
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, and they hold art classes and camps. Their summer camp for kids will be a mixed-media art camp; parents can purchase supplies themselves or contact Paint Lab for purchasing.
Dates:
Ages: 6–12 years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (hours vary by camp)
Cost:
Register: Call (310) 450-9200.
1:1 aides: Contact Armory for more information.
23537 Long Valley Road
Hidden Hills, California 91302
(818) 835-4962
Format: In-person performance camp
This summer, Stars Academy is proud to be producing the classic musical “West Side Story.” Children who enjoy acting, singing, and dancing can participate in the production. 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.
Dates:
Ages: 5–15 years old
Hours:
Cost:
Register: Sign up online.
1:1 aides: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
