Pennsylvania Academy of Music

The Pennsylvania Academy of Music was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1989 with a mission of providing thorough musical training and anticipating "people at all stages of life will discover the profound enjoyment of music in their lives." PAM was designed to offer the best possible music training to students of all ages while serving as a cultural resource for the community at large through regular concerts, outreach, and after-school programming.

PAM students were immersed in disciplines including instrumental and voice private study, chamber music coaching, orchestra, opera, music theory and composition, jazz, accompanying, and recording techniques. PAM further enhanced curriculum with programs including the Bravo! Program (offering financial assistance and support services for children with limited financial means), the Choral Program (multiple choirs for students 5–15 years of age to enlarge their perception of music literature and performance), the Summer Music Festival (a two-week, intensive program in residence that offers coaching and performance opportunities for advanced students), the Sinfonia Orchestra (a casual orchestra for adult amateurs), and various early development programs.

PAM students were mentored and guided by a faculty of internationally recognized performers and educators. The faculty shared with their students their unique talents and experiences as concert artists, symphony performers, and lecturers. In addition, these faculty members – often accompanied by their students – gave to the community through performances at schools and nursing homes, educational outreach, and mentoring of at-risk youth through the Satellite Schools Program. Uniting the passion of such teachers with eager students created a community for creativity and inspiration that was nurturing and supportive; it helped the community grow.

Through music education, performance, and outreach, PAM was a robust source of arts in the Lancaster community. PAM expanded its commitment to musical excellence within the community by offering group music classes for after-school activities, recreational music making, and adult continuing education.

The building PAM occupied on Prince Street in downtown Lancaster is now owned by Millersville University and operates as the Ware Center.

The Pennsylvania Academy of Music was one of twelve pre-collegiate autonomous schools accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and was a member of the National Guild of the Community Schools of the Arts. It was one of the only schools in the United States that offers a pre-collegiate program in chamber music.

In 2009, the school entered into partnerships with the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing and Lancaster Mennonite School in Lancaster. An exchange program is offered through the China Conservatory, and a high school diploma program focused in music is offered through Lancaster Mennonite High School.

On May 27, 2010, PAM filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Under new administration, the Bankruptcy Court supported the re-opening the school on September 1, 2010 at Liberty Place. PAM continued to work with the Court as they tried to transition out of bankruptcy and make progress toward operating as a sustainable institution. On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, PAM chairman Dr. Thomas Godfrey announced the board of directors' decision to close the academy.[1]

• Official site
• Charity Navigator: Pennsylvania Academy of Music
• LancasterARTS: Pennsylvania Academy of Music
• Lancaster Intelligencer Journal: Academy of Music starts work on new hall, May 19, 2006
• Lancaster Intelligencer Journal: Academy getting 'significant' state funds for its expansion, May 9, 2006
• Acoustical case study (video) — Pennsylvania Academy of Music