The Academy of Music is Hampton Roads' only independent non-profit community music school that is accredited by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. Our mission is to provide quality music instruction to the residents of Hampton Roads, regardless of their ability to pay. Founded in 1991, The Academy of Music offers private and group instruction for most instruments and voice. Our instructors are highly trained professionals and include members of the Virginia Symphony and other leading ensembles. The Academy's offerings, designed for all ages and skill levels, are:

• Academy Studies programs conducted at four sites: Trinity Presbyterian Church and Royster Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Great Bridge Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake and Providence Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach;
• Community Outreach programs, conducted in partnership with other institutions, such as our drumming programs at Park Place Baptist Church in Norfolk and our strings program at Park View Elementary School in Portsmouth.

In addition to our outreach programs, The Academy provides funding for students enrolled in private study who could not otherwise afford music lessons. This year, some 250 students will receive music instruction at little or no cost to themselves through partial or full scholarships or thanks to grant-supported outreach programs and presentations.
In 2000, The Academy of Music was fully certified by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts after meeting its rigorous evaluation criteria. The Guild provides leadership and advocacy for some 300 schools of the arts across the country, sets quality standards and promotes public awareness of the value of arts education. The Academy is one of only two fully certified schools in Virginia.