For students & families
The Jazz Hands Musicians Academy & Conservatory
Rigorous, individualized, strengths-based music education for neurodivergent musicians ages 18 and up, at every level. Our experimental conservatory is the first of its kind, and our curriculum and classroom approaches are consistently being refined.
What it is
Music education built around the musician
The Academy & Conservatory provides more than 600 hours of rigorous, individualized instruction per musician each year, grounded in a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach. We meet each student where they are and build from there, on their terms, at their pace.
Our curriculum spans performance, songwriting and composition, music technology, music business, and teacher training, so every student can shape their study around the career they want.
And while autism is often associated with children, all of the musicians in our Academy are adults, professionals building real skills and real careers.
What students learn
More than music
Performance & technique
Instrument and vocal instruction, ensemble play, and stage experience.
Composition & recording
Songwriting, arranging, and studio production in our recording studio.
Professional skills
Reels, EPKs, headshots, and the pathway to paid gigs through Jazz Hands Jobs.
Curriculum
Five career tracks
Every student's classes align with one of five career tracks, so training always points somewhere real.
Onstage Performance
Instrument and vocal mastery, ensemble work, and professional stagecraft.
Original Music
Songwriting and composition, from first idea to finished, copyrighted work.
Teacher Training
Preparing musicians to lead lessons and classrooms of their own.
Music Technology
Recording, live sound, and audio editing in our working studio.
Music Business
Artist management, promotion, finances, and arts operations.
Programs
Four programs, one academy
Every student enters through the same application, and we place each musician in the program that fits their goals today, with room to move up as skills grow.
The Jazz Hands Conservatory
Conservatory-level education pointed at a professional music career, for musicians who arrive with basic music theory or instrument comprehension. One-on-one instrumental and vocal lessons, music theory, music history, band ensembles, guidance counseling, and our five career specialization tracks.
Enrichment 2
For musicians with career goals who are still building foundations. Develops the theory, instrument, and ensemble skills needed to move into the Conservatory, with one-on-one lessons, guidance counseling, and video content creation.
Enrichment 1
Music-based social and recreational services for musicians who aren't pursuing a career track. Group piano, beginner ensemble, and group guidance counseling, built around growing socialization in a music setting.
Jazz Hands Jobs
Job training for musicians actively seeking music-related employment, through the Conservatory or by assessment. Job coaching plus opportunity research, interviews, and placements across performance, composition, education, technology, and business. More on Jazz Hands Jobs.
How to join
Becoming a student
Reach out
Tell us about the musician and their goals through our quick inquiry form.
Meet & assess
We connect to understand interests, level, and the right fit.
Enroll
We build an individualized plan and help you select classes aligned with one of our five career tracks.
Grow & perform
Lessons, ensembles, recording, and the stage await.
Not sure where to start? Send us a message and we'll walk you through it.
For families, educators & professionals
Refer a student
Know an autistic or neurodivergent musician who would thrive here? Parents, teachers, therapists, and case managers can refer someone to the Academy in a couple of minutes. We'll take it from there with care.
Refer a student →
Ages 8–17
Younger musician? Meet the Junior Academy.
Early, joyful music education that builds confidence and expression for young autistic learners.
Explore Junior Academy →