Graduate Spotlight: Nadia Castagna The educator, who grew up in Rochester, New York, shares how she went from Berklee to collaborating on meaningful programs to improve students lives.January 14, 2026
By
Editorial Staff
What's it like to be a Berklee grad? Our Grad Spotlight series asks alumni all about their Berklee experience-what they learned in class, what kinds of projects they're involved in now, how they recharge, and of course, what advice they have to share. In this installment, get to know educator Nadia Castagna MM '19 from Rochester, New York, who studied music education (autism concentration).
Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?I got my bachelors degree in expressive arts therapies, and wanted to go on to be a music therapist. Upon applying for [a different] grad program, I was told to basically change everything about myself before reapplying. My music theory teacher at the time noticed that I liked teaching and recommended that I get in touch with Dr. Rhoda Bernard because Berklee had a new program that was a grad degree in music education with an autism concentration that he thought I was perfect for. I got in touch with Dr. Bernard that same day, applied to the program, and got in!
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What was your favorite class, and what did it teach you?My favorite class was Elementary Classroom Methods with Pam Yanco! I learned about the Orff method and learned the most about adaptations, modifications, and how every student has a place in the music room and in the music education classroom.
When you were a graduate student, how did you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class?I went to conferences, bounced ideas off of colleagues, did my own research, and googled music education topics I was interested in.
What is your current job, and what do you love about it?I work at the New England Center for Children in Southborough, Massachusetts, during the week and I work at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education in Boston on Saturdays. I love making music with my students and helping my students access music education in a meaningful way.
Music is for everyone, no matter your ability or presentation.Nadia Castagna
Whats a project youve worked on since graduating from Berklee that youve been especially excited about?There have been a couple projects I have worked on. The first is a world music curriculum that has been adapted to include abilities of all students, including students that need significant support in class. I have been working with staff members at my school (and also a couple of staff members at BIAAE) from all different countries around the world to collaborate on the lessons to make them as authentic and accessible as possible.
The second is a collaboration with my colleague, Leah Gregoire, who is an occupational therapist. We collaborated on an adapted group piano class that utilizes both occupational therapy as well as music education to ensure the success of all students at our school, no matter what their ability level is. We have presented a few times about our setup and progress in creating these classes at the ABLE Assembly at Berklee. These classes utilize occupational therapy to teach and practice the prerequisite skills needed to have success in learning and playing piano.
The third is a collaboration with my colleague Ellen Harper, who is a speech and language pathologist. We have collaborated at our school to help non-vocal verbal students who want to be part of chorus to participate meaningfully in class. Using Proloquo2go (a program used for AAC devices) we have been able to program pitch, duration, and speed of words on the device of the students that need the support in order for them to learn when and where to participate-and to blend with the chorus sound. The students practice on their own with their support teachers, and with Ellen and I, to learn timing on when to press the correct button to participate meaningfully in the chorus. We want them to be as independent as possible while in chorus while also enjoying themselves and their time.
Whos an educator that inspired you?There have been many teachers who have inspired me throughout my career. Some that come to mind are:
Image courtesy of Nadia Castagna
Brian McGonagle, my high school music teacher, who helped me to start writing music, and who gave me countless opportunities in classes and in marching band. My love of mallet instruments (particularly marimba) started with him. I wouldnt be where I am today if it wasnt for moving to Massachusetts and meeting him.
Brian Calhoon, my marimba teacher in college, and John Murphree, my music theory teacher in college, continuously encouraged me and believed in me and my abilities-even when I didnt. They saw my love for teaching and encouraged me to pursue it for my graduate degree.
Rhoda Bernard, my advisor/professor/boss who gave me a chance to join her masters program, to become a teacher for the Saturday program BIAAE, and to become the teacher that I am today. She helped me find my dream job seven years ago, which I currently am teaching at today. She believed in my abilities-even though my undergraduate degree is in expressive arts therapies-and I never thought I would be accepted into a music school like Berklee. If it wasnt for her opportunity, I would not be where I am today.
Pam Yanco was the first teacher I encountered at Berklee who really embodied who I wanted to be as an educator. She was fun, knowledgeable, silly, enthusiastic, and cared about how each student fit into music class no matte
