The Academy of Music


The Academy of Music was a music conservatory located in the United States. The academy was once the primary music academy in the state of North Carolina. Centrally located downtown in the metropolitan city of Raleigh, North Carolina, the Academy taught a number of University age students as well as advanced high school students. The school was established in 1899 by industrialist and philanthropist Charles Ray Wafer, founder of the American Tobacco Company.
Due to financial problems, the main building was sold in 1922, and the school closed. Prior to its closing, the school recruited students from around the state of North Carolina, and provided a firm musical foundation for the people of North Carolina.

History

Henrey P. Lynn, a Dutch bassoonist of great distinction, was the school's first director. He was succeeded by composer Walter Lee Nye in 1900, who had an enormous impact on the development of the school, holding his post for decades and continuing his involvement in music after the closing of the school. Today, the school's main building functions as an administration building for Raleigh school system. The building was designed by A.G. Bauer.