PSO Academy

The brand-new PSO Academy is under the umbrella of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and provides affordable music instruction to children and adults in a community music school setting.  The PSO Academy is excited to offer private instruction in all orchestral/band instruments and voice.

Welcome!

It has been a longtime dream of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra to bring to the community quality affordable, accessible music education opportunities, and we are excited to finally fulfill that dream. Supportive, experienced faculty and an encouraging environment are characteristic of all our activities: private lessons, small ensembles, and an exciting summer program for youth.  We welcome and provide musical opportunities for families with young children, music career-bound students, and adults looking to enrich their life through music. We invite you to come and experience the expert instruction by our faculty, perform in a state-of-the-art symphony hall, and share your love of music with others.

We can’t wait to see you here!

FALL SEMESTER DATES: AUGUST 26 - DECEMBER 13

Programs Offered

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION


Individual Lessons are available on all orchestral/band instruments and in voice. Lessons are taught by PSO musicians and other local professionals. In the case where there are multiple teachers per instrument, teacher requests can be made, dependent on schedule availability.

Tuition is billed in semesters of 14 weeks each. Fall lessons are automatically re-registered for Spring semester, unless the student submits a written request to cancel before the semester begins. All quoted prices are per semester. Monthly payment plans (of four equal installments) may also be accepted.  

Tuition (14 week semester)
30-min weekly - $420 ($30/lesson)
45-min weekly - $630($45/lesson)
60-min weekly - $840($60/lesson)

Scholarships are available! Apply now!
pay tuitionApply for a scholarship

GROUP INSTRUCTION


Children’s & Youth Choirs
– Learn more about our choir opportunities here

Chamber Music
- Small ensembles of various sizes and instrumentation provide collaborative music learning. Unlike solo or large ensemble playing, students learn how to listen and respond to each other for timing and balance, and they learn to negotiate their interpretive choices as a group. This is one of the most important and powerful ways to grow as a musician. Students enrolled in this chamber music class will be placed in chamber music ensembles (duos, trios, quartets, etc.) with other students at a similar level. 
Chamber rehearsals take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 5pm-6pm. Students must audition in person or by recording prior to registration here or by emailing academy@paducahsymphony.org· 
Audition for Chamber Music


Summer Music Camp

Join us and elite music faculty in the Paducah and McCracken area for a week of making music!
June 16-20, 2025
Learn More

The PSO Academy is excited to be able to offer scholarships based on need and income level. If you think your child qualifies, please email us at academy@paducahsymphony.org or complete a scholarship application form below.

Priority is always given to students registering at least one month before the beginning of a semester. When studio space permits, students may begin lessons at any time of year up until the beginning of the term. Late additions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and tuition will be prorated.

*Please complete the Registration Form for placement with a teacher.

*Each new student requesting lessons will be assigned to an instructor.

Requests for a particular teacher will be honored when possible. Once the assignment has been made, the school administrator will contact you to determine your lesson day and time. If a change of instructor is recommended by the instructor, or desired by a student or parent, the issue should be discussed by instructor and student, and then referred to the Academy Director.

Register

Policies & Procedures

For all policies and procedures, please read the Student Handbook.

We understand you may have questions about our school, lessons, programs,     
       scholarships, or camps, so we’ve put together a Frequently Asked Questions page.  
For additional questions, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students playing saxophone in an ensemble

Meet Our Faculty

To learn more about them, click their picture!

Kala Dunn

Flute

Abigail Calcamuggio

Flute

Dr. Grace Woodworth

Oboe

Dr. Gabby Baffoni

Clarinet

Kathy White

Clarinet

Adriel Gonzalez

Bassoon

Dr. Zach Stern

Saxophone

Dr. AJ Bernal

Horn

Kristy Demos

Trumpet

Hunter Moffitt

Trombone & Baritone

Morgan Kinslow

Tuba

Chris Loe

Percussion

Jessica Adams

Percussion

Noah Brown

Violin & Viola

Dr. Roger Graves

Cello & Double Bass

Emily Black

Voice

Corey Crider

Voice

Kelly Groves

Voice