Dr. Rhoda Bernard’s Vision for Arts Education (Part 1) | 158

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we welcome an inspiring guest, Dr. Rhoda Bernard.

Dr. Bernard is the Founding Managing Director of the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education. She also serves as the Assistant Chair of the Music Education Department at Berklee College of Music. Her academic background is outstanding. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University, a Bachelor of Music in jazz voice from New England Conservatory, and both a Master of Education and Doctor of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In addition, Dr. Bernard leads the way in music education and arts advocacy. She presents at major conferences across the United States and abroad. She also delivers professional development for educators around the world. Her new book, Accessible Arts Education: Principles, Habits, and Strategies to Unleash Every Student’s Creativity and Learning, comes out in September 2025. This resource will give teachers practical tools to spark creativity and learning in every student.

Furthermore, educators and organizations have recognized her impact with many awards. These honors include the Irene Buck Service to Arts Education Award from Arts|Learning and the Berklee Urban Service Award.

Beyond her leadership, Dr. Bernard shines as a musician, vocalist, and pianist. She specializes in jazz and Jewish music. She performs with several klezmer bands and has recorded two CDs with the band Klezamir.

We feel honored to welcome Dr. Bernard today. She joins us to share her expertise, her story, and her vision for accessible arts education for every learner.

Stay in Contact with Rhoda:

• Linked In
• Facebook

Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Temple Grandin

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb