Step Inside the Louisville Academy of Music This August

By Alisha Proffitt Photos Provided by LAM 

If you’ve ever wandered down Frankfort Avenue and caught the sound of a violin, chances are it came from the Louisville Academy of Music. A historic part of the Crescent Hill community, this nonprofit has been nurturing musicians, both aspiring and accomplished, for more than 70 years. Since 1954, they’ve taught nearly a million lessons. And this August, the entire community is once again invited to experience that spirit firsthand. 

On Saturday, August 23rd, LAM will host its annual Open House, a free, family-friendly event designed for anyone curious about music lessons, music education, or just looking to find a little more harmony in their lives (pun intended). 

If you’re a parent searching for the right fit for your child’s first piano lesson, a teenager ready to prep for an audition, or an adult who’s always thought, “Maybe I’ll try the guitar someday,” this event is for you. 

The Louisville Academy of Music isn’t your typical music school - it’s a learning community. It doesn’t matter if you’re five or eighty-five; if you love music, you belong. With programs and opportunities for beginners, pre-professionals, and lifelong learners alike, there’s truly something for everyone. 

During the Open House, guests can explore the beautiful studios, meet faculty members, take part in lessons/demos, and chat with current students and families. And that’s really what makes LAM so unique. The instruction here has a very personal approach, and teachers don’t follow a fixed curriculum; they adapt to the goals, needs, and learning styles of each student. Every musician is met where they are. 

LAM offers private lessons taught by a dedicated and talented faculty who have music degrees and are passionate about teaching instruments such as piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, mallet percussion, composition, and voice. Lessons are available in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions, depending on age and skill level, and scheduling is flexible. 

In addition to one-on-one lessons, LAM’s group classes and workshops provide even more ways to explore music: 

Mini Music Makers: An introductory class for young children (ages 4–6) that introduces basic concepts like rhythm, melody, and musical movement through songs, stories, and play. 

Digital Music in the Real World: Anyone can become a music producer. Create background beats and radio-ready rhythms, or record your own voice into a digital audio workstation.

Composition: For the creatively curious, these classes explore how music works and how to write your own.

Improvisation: LAM is more than Brahms and Beethoven, it’s Herbie Hancock and W.C. Handy, too. You can learn to navigate blues and jazz on whatever instrument you’ve got handy in this low-pressure class.

Chamber Music & Small Ensembles: For intermediate and advanced students of all ages and instruments looking to perform in small groups, build collaborative skills, and grow musically with their peers.

Students also have the opportunity to perform in Semester Showcases and community concerts, held at venues like the Speed Art Museum and Central Presbyterian Church, giving them a chance to perform in front of live audiences in low-pressure, encouraging settings.

As a nonprofit, LAM is on a mission to make sure music education is accessible, not just a luxury for a lucky few. That’s why they offer need-based financial aid, merit awards, and outreach programs that bring music lessons directly into Jefferson County Public Schools. They believe no one should miss out on music because of financial or transportation barriers. Thanks to a dedicated Board of Directors and generous donors, LAM awards over $80,000 annually in need-based scholarships which supports over 50 students at LAM’s main campus and off-site with partners such as JCPS to provide long-term private lessons.

This commitment to excellence, equity, and community engagement earned LAM the 2024 Governor’s Award in the Arts for Education, a well-deserved recognition of their work.

The annual Open House is an open invitation to explore what music might look like in your life as well as your child’s, and to step into a space that’s full of creativity and possibility. Maybe you’ll meet the violin teacher who inspires something in your shy third grader. 

Maybe you’ll find a creative class that finally fits into your schedule. Or maybe you’ll just enjoy the free snacks and the impromptu performances and leave with a smile. 

The Open House is Saturday, August 23rd, from 3 pm to 5 pm at LAM’s location on Frankfort Avenue. No RSVP is required; just come as you are, bring your questions, and be ready to be inspired. 

For more information about classes, financial aid, faculty bios, or how to register for fall programs, visit www.louisvilleacademyofmusic.org.