Music Academy of North Carolina

Music Academy was founded in 1982 by Dr. Ivan Battle, in response to the need for a community music school that offered exceptional music education in a structured, well-paced course of study. The Music Academy's dramatic growth from just three teachers and 20 students in 1982 to over 30 instructors and almost 1, 000 students today, clearly indicates that the school's presence is both needed and valued. Students and faculty now represent 45 communities and two states. In order to both reflect and serve the community and the state, The Music Academy of North Carolina offers a comprehensive, culturally diverse curriculum including classical study, a jazz education center, folk/bluegrass lessons, gospel piano, a rock music program, Latino music, and early childhood music. The positive response to this more diverse offering has resulted in increased diversity among teachers, students, and volunteers who more truly represent the rich mix of cultures of the Piedmont.