Blair Academy at Vanderbilt
About
Community Music School of Vanderbilt's Blair School
Blair Academy is the precollege and community music program of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, located on Blakemore Avenue at the university's performing arts center. Distinct from Vanderbilt's degree-granting music program.
Programs by Age and Format
Mix of private instruction, ensembles, and method-based programs. Programs include:
- Private lessons across instruments
- Suzuki Method (early childhood string instruction)
- Youth Orchestras
- Youth Choirs
- Chamber music
- Precollege intensives (rising grades 8-12)
- Programs for children, youth, and adults
What's Included
- Professional faculty drawn from the Blair School community
- Performance opportunities at Blair School venues
- Tiered ensemble placement (orchestras, choirs, chamber)
- Connection to university music environment
Experience
University-affiliated community music school - higher rigor and deeper faculty than typical commercial studios. Suzuki Method makes it usable from age 3 for strings; precollege intensives serve serious teens preparing for conservatory auditions. Best for kids serious about music study who want exposure to a real university music environment.