Empowering Communication Through Music
Revolutionary Journey that's Transforming Lives
Support children with disabilities by turning music into a powerful speech development tool.
From Silence to Sound
At Speak!Music as Language, we believe every child deserves a voice — and sometimes, that voice is music. Through musical inclusion, non-verbal children are making incredible strides in speech and communication development.
How it began
Music Project began 10 years ago at the Secondary Academy of Success (SAS), the Northshore School District’s alternative high school. It’s Founder and Music Director is and has been Bernadette Bascom who provided the program a unique vision of the importance of inclusivity through music. Through the magic of sound, rhythm, and melody, we’re helping individuals express themselves, develop language skills, and gain the confidence to connect with the world around them.
SPEAK! Music as Language
Due to the Music Project’s success, Bernadette Bascom collaborated with Microsoft to create a mobile app. The app, "Speak! Speak Music as Language," aims to reach more people than the in-person program. As of March 2023, this groundbreaking early intervention program supports children with disabilities in speech and communication skills through an engaging, multisensory approach. Developed by Bascom and Microsoft, the app blends music, breath control, rhythm, and physicality for joyful language learning. Available on the Apple Store, it helps children find their voices and fosters home and school connections.
The Music Project
The Music Project began with nearly 60 students at Skyview Junior High School in 2015-16. This coming school year, it will be at Woodmoor Elementary, the district's largest school for special educational needs. A May 2016 culmination concert for Skyview students was held at the 700-seat Northshore Performing Arts Center in Bothell, featuring celebrity performers. The first concert drew a sold-out audience. Woodmoor will perform on May 22, 2017, at the Performing Arts Center.
How it began
Music Project began 10 years ago at the Secondary Academy of Success (SAS), the Northshore School District’s alternative high school. It’s Founder and Music Director is and has been Bernadette Bascom who provided the program a unique vision of the importance of inclusivity through music. Through the magic of sound, rhythm, and melody, we’re helping individuals express themselves, develop language skills, and gain the confidence to connect with the world around them.
SPEAK! Music as Language
Due to the Music Project’s success, Bernadette Bascom collaborated with Microsoft to create a mobile app. The app, "Speak! Speak Music as Language," aims to reach more people than the in-person program. As of March 2023, this groundbreaking early intervention program supports children with disabilities in speech and communication skills through an engaging, multisensory approach. Developed by Bascom and Microsoft, the app blends music, breath control, rhythm, and physicality for joyful language learning. Available on the Apple Store, it helps children find their voices and fosters home and school connections.
The Music Project
The Music Project began with nearly 60 students at Skyview Junior High School in 2015-16. This coming school year, it will be at Woodmoor Elementary, the district's largest school for special educational needs. A May 2016 culmination concert for Skyview students was held at the 700-seat Northshore Performing Arts Center in Bothell, featuring celebrity performers. The first concert drew a sold-out audience. Woodmoor will perform on May 22, 2017, at the Performing Arts Center.
Breath Control
Children are guided in proper breathing techniques to increase vocal strength and improve clarity.
Rhythm & Fluency
A built-in metronome offers rhythmic cues to improve timing, pacing, and overall fluency.
Physicality & Articulation
Jaw, tongue, and lip exercises are embedded to improve muscle coordination and support clearer articulation.
Melody & Memory
By associating sound and melody with words, the app strengthens memory retention and recall, creating a joyful learning experience.
Legend Behind SPEAK!
A Legacy of Talent, Impact, and Inspiration
Bernadette’s career is a testament to passion, dedication, and a profound love for music that has transcended decades. From her early days as a singer and performer to becoming a revered figure in the entertainment industry, her journey is nothing short of remarkable.
A trailblazer in every sense, Bernadette’s career took an iconic turn when she became the first artist ever signed by the legendary Stevie Wonder to his record label. This historic partnership laid the foundation for an incredible musical journey, one that saw her not only release music but also influence an entire generation of artists and fans.
Our Mission
With your support, we aim to:
- Breath Control: Children are guided in proper breathing techniques to increase vocal strength and improve clarity.
- Rhythm & Fluency: A built-in metronome offers rhythmic cues to improve timing, pacing, and overall fluency.
- Physicality & Articulation: Jaw, tongue, and lip exercises are embedded to improve muscle coordination and support clearer articulation.
- Melody & Memory: By associating sound and melody with words, the app strengthens memory retention and recall, creating a joyful learning experience.
Whole-Child, Whole-Community Focus
Central to this initiative is a home-to-school, school-to-home continuum. For children to reach their full communication potential, there must be alignment between parents, caregivers, and educators. Consistent strategies and language reinforcement across environments are essential to a child’s success. Speak Music as Language empowers everyone in a child’s ecosystem—teachers, parents, and even siblings—to become active participants in their speech journey.
What we Dream of
With your support, we aim to:
- Reach an additional 10,000 children with disabilities by 2026
- Equip 5,000 parents and educators with tools and training to support consistent, effective speech development
- Expand to 10 school districts and early childhood programs in under-resourced communities
- Demonstrate measurable improvements in speech clarity, confidence, and engagement in early learners
Speak! Music as Language is poised to revolutionize early speech development for children with disabilities. With your partnership, we can scale this innovation, close communication gaps, and give more children the gift of voice.
Testimonials of Incredible Changes
At Speak!Music as Language, we believe every child deserves a voice — and sometimes, that voice is music. Through musical inclusion, non-verbal children are making incredible strides in speech and communication development.
Get in Touch
Want to know more? We are just one step away!