About SWFL Music Education Center

Our Mission

The mission of SWFLMEC is to create a world-class music education center where neurodivergent students who have a strong interest in music and low to moderate support needs receive education in music and life skills, preparing them for meaningful growth opportunities that enrich their lives and the community as a whole.

The Need For Specialized Services

It is well documented that most neurodivergent young adults face significant challenges in post-secondary education, preparing to enter the workforce and in developing healthy relationships. The Southwest Florida Music Education Center is here to help them overcome those challenges!

Who We Serve

The Southwest Florida Music Education Center serves neurodivergent young adults with a strong interest in music. We provide a holistic music education experience for neurodivergent individuals who have the following profile at the time of program enrollment:

Common diagnoses includes:

*Additional diagnoses may be considered through the application/enrollment process

Typical Student Profile:

Students who enroll at the Southwest Florida Music Education Center (SWFLMEC) are passionate about music and driven to achieve excellence in their chosen musical performance areas. With a wide range of neurodiversity, all our students share an intrinsic love of music and a true willingness to learn.
Our musicians are committed to personal growth. Some of our students approach the world with a sense of innocence and naivety. Working together with their peers and our highly qualified staff, students learn to tap into their gifts and develop a sense of independence that allows them to dream and build toward a bright future. Keys to success include experience working in a small group class setting and an ability to accept constructive feedback.
SWFLMEC provides a culture of encouragement and the support students need to spread their wings, amplify their abilities and achieve great things. During their time with us, student musicians create meaningful relationships, develop an aptitude for self-advocacy, refine their music and performance prowess, acquire life and professional skills and realize their full potential.

Defining Neurodiversity

Merriam-Webster defines neurodiversity as:
neurodiversity (n) – (1) individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population, (2) the concept that difference in brain functioning within the population are normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized, (3) the inclusion in a group, organization, etc. of people with different types of brain functioning.

The Center: Designed for Musical Creativity, Health and Well Being

Building a healthy, green Southwest Florida Music Education Center is fundamental to our goals. The population we serve is already more likely to have anxiety, immune and sensory issues, and related health challenges, so investing in a design and material selection that maximizes green and healthy building best practices is really central to our outcomes. Building features will include non-toxic material selection, enhanced indoor/outdoor air exchange, daylighting, acoustical and open space design considerations which are beneficial to neurodivergent young adults.

CONCEPTUAL
RENDERING

Laying the Foundation
Now – Summer 2022

Collaborate with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs on music education curriculum with integrated life skills
Establish mental health support framework
Create community partnerships
Offer clinics, workshops and educational opportunities for community members
Deliver high-quality programming to neurodivergent and neurotypical musicians through The Creative Group
Secure Center site and finalize building plans
Begin Center construction
Hire and train programming staff
Fundraise and plan for onsite dormitory

Building the Center
Fall 2022 – Fall 2023

Continue Center construction
Launch day-programming
Kick-off mentoring program
Continue community engagement and education opportunities
Enhance and increase collaboration with local and national partners
Start dormitory construction

Opening the Center
Fall 2023

Opening Celebration
Welcome first students to our 2-year and 4-year music certificate programs
Offer public performances, allowing community members to engage in the musical arts in a multitude of ways
Create and promote internship opportunities
Prepare dormitory program and staffing for Fall 2024 opening

Enhancing Access to Music Education in Southwest Florida

Beyond our classrooms and campus, the Southwest Florida Music Education Center will impact our entire community by bringing world-class music education programs, developed in partnership with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs, to Southwest Florida. This will include day classes, residential options and continuing education opportunities for music teachers with a focus on teaching neurodivergent students.