We are a not-for-profit community school of music dedicated to providing high quality, affordable instruction, and performance opportunities to academy students, regardless of age or ability. It is the mission of the Music Academy to inspire in students a life-long love of music and the arts. The Music Academy is a member of the National Guild of Community Arts Education. As a Guild school, we believe the arts are fundamental.

We believe excellent instruction and expert individual education in the arts continues to be an important and vital factor in the welfare of all people. We believe the arts give meaning and wholeness to all human existence, extending from the life of the individual to the community and ultimately to our entire civilization. Thus, it must follow the pursuit of the arts is the rightful heritage of every individual and not the privilege of the gifted few.

Highlights and features

Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Harp, Piano, Viola, Violin, Voice

Associations and certifications

National Guild for Community Arts Education

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Mary Ann Anderson

Mary Ann has been with the Music Academy since 1989. She takes delight in starting each year's class of new beginners and has become a specialist with the baby beginners (ages 3, 4 and 5) and their parents

Marilyn Cade

Marilyn Cade joined the Music Academy faculty in 1985. Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska with continued professional study with artists in the United States and Vienna, Austria.

Patricia Jeske

Patricia Jeske has been a member of the piano faculty of the Music Academy since 1998. She teaches traditional piano. She teaches piano and group piano at Rockford College. She is a performing member of the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center. She's active as an accompanist and church musician in Rockford.

Grand Canyon and the Hopi Indian Nation

Students, alumni, family and friends of The Music Academy and the Rockford College Office of Alumni Relations were able to journey to the Grand Canyon, the Hopi Nation, Flagstaff and Sedona, this summer. It was truly a unique opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange and concert on the Second Mesa of the Hopi Nation.

Rock River Twinkle arranged by Mary Ann Anderson.

Music Academy's very own Twinkle version incorporates "Proud Mary" (rollin' on the river....), "Old Man River" and Twinkle Theme. Arranged for strings, guitar, flute it allows us to perform a "whole school" piece celebrating our life on Rockford's Rock River.

Heartstrings 2.16.13. Moon Over a Ruined Castle.

This is our version of Moon Over a Ruined Castle arranged for muliple instruments and levels. We are rehearsing for Heartstrings: Connections between Music and Medicine - a gala event held on February 16, 2013.

Heartstrings. Measure 5 playing

Measure 5 (the advanced performing and touring ensemble of the Music Academy) rehearsing the Barrage tune "Mountain Spring."

Music Academy's Suzuki Orchestra

The Suzuki Orchestra is Music Academy's youngest training orchestra (of three.) The kids loved this Tango and were rehearsing it well!

Kara Mulligan Pa-C.

Oct 13, 2021

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We have thoroughly enjoyed the Prelude classes! My 20mo. old has gone twice weekly since he was only a few months old! It is so affordable and he loves it! We will definitely continue! Thank you for a great experience!

Natalie Brunson

Sep 30, 2021

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This place is incredible. My kids love it. It has really expanded them musically. I love that they can play with other kids in an orchestra. There are a lot of teachers to choose from and they take the time to find a good match. All the adults are caring and really listen to the kids. I have always felt welcomed and supported at this organization.

They have music for all levels. My kids play piano, cello, and viola. They teach adults too! There truly is something for everyone and I am really thankful that we found the music academy.

Jessie Piske

Sep 30, 2021

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The skills my children are taught at the Music Academy go beyond the music domain and will remain assets to them throughout their lives. They are constantly challenged, while supported and encouraged. Our involvement with the Music Academy is an investment of our time, but the return is immeasurable.

Green Eggs

Aug 11, 2021

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One of the very best things I ever did for my child was to enroll him in the Music Academy for piano lessons. High quality education that was worth every penny.

Steve Fierz

Nov 17, 2018

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Lessons for both children and adults from area professionals. Very good music teaching!

Thomas Carlson

Apr 25, 2018

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The Music Academy has been an important part of our children's education for over ten years. This is an outstanding source of music education and child development for the region.