The Louisville Academy of Music welcomes everyone to join our musical community.

LAM nurtures lifelong learners, not solely as musicians but also as creative, inspired people.

Each week the Louisville Academy of Music teaches over 400 students ages 3-83, from more than 50 zip codes in instrument, voice, and composition lessons. When you study at LAM you are joining a musical community. We offer opportunities for students and teachers to connect through music in a supportive and enriching learning environment. Additionally we reach over 3,000 people annually at over 25 Kentuckiana locations through our free Community Music Programs. 

Equity in music education is a force to realize potential, achieve dreams, and make the world a better place.

The Louisville Academy of Music believes music belongs to everyone. We are working to break down barriers, build pathways, and create access to music education. We know learning an instrument opens doors to success in any field and our goal is to provide education, support and mentorship for any student who is willing and devoted, regardless of their socio-economic status.

OUR HISTORY:

As part of our history, the Louisville Academy of Music acknowledges the indigenous peoples and nations, including Cherokee, Shawnee, Osage, Adena, Hopewell, and Myaamia Tribes who originally inhabited the land we gather on today. We acknowledge that they were removed unjustly, and that we in this community are the beneficiaries of that removal. We honor them as we perform, work, and study here at the Louisville Academy of Music.

The founding of the Louisville Academy of Music on February 15, 1954 was the result of a partnership between Robert French and Donald Murray. French assumed the administrative duties while providing income through copying symphonic scores and parts, and Murray taught piano and jazz workshops. A staff of eight gave vocal and instrumental lessons. The Academy Chorale, a twenty-member vocal ensemble, was soon formed by faculty member Richard Dales.

In 1956 the school moved from Bardstown Road to 1020 S. Fifth Street. A board of directors was formed and on March 25, 1957 the school was incorporated as a non-profit educational institution. In July of 1957 the Academy leased the Victorian home of James Breckinridge Speed at 505 W. Ormsby Avenue. With larger quarters the school was able to organize a piano technology department, headed by Russell Sturgeon. In addition, the Louisville Youth Orchestra was founded by Robert French in 1958.

In 1960 the Academy expanded and purchased the St. Matthews School of Music for use as a second location. Soon after, in 1961 Robert French married Ruth French and they began a dynamic leadership of the Academy. In 1971 the current location of 2740 Frankfort Avenue was purchased and proved to be the perfect place for Robert and Ruth to develop their vision.

In 2011 Robert passed away but Ruth continued as president while teaching violin full-time. Robert left behind his extensive music archive, accumulated from many years of research, and his collection of all things musical in Louisville. Those materials were donated to The Filson Club, the Speed Museum, and the University of Louisville School of Music. The Academy retained much of his library: an archive of thousands of books, records, and files on Kentucky musicians and organizations.

In June of 2018 Ruth retired after 62 years of dedicated teaching. She also stepped down from her service as president, a role she had held since 1999. She passed the leadership of the school to her former violin student Sara Louise Callaway. Sara is honored to continue the life long work of Robert and Ruth French and looks forward to continuing to serve the Louisville Community for many years to come.