About Us

The Ankeny Academy of Music is a non-profit 501c3 Community School of Music committed to provide lifelong learning and experience in the art of music, thus out motto: Music for Life.

Assisted by the expertise and generosity of Lawyer Mark Gray, Esq, and CPA Michael Sharpe, five people, who became the first Board of Governors, were responsible for its establishment in time per the 1997-98 school year—Douglas Dixon—who originated the idea of a music school, taught for two years and then passes away; Kay Swan, formerly on the board panel of the Iowa Arts Council; Janeen Pearson, who drafted our vision statement; George Volger, accountant/businessman; and Thelma Volger, now faculty member and Director of the Academy; Keith Muehlenthaler also joined the Board during our first year.

Our Vision: The Ankeny Academy of Music is dedicated to the belief that music is a necessary, integral part of life that contributes to the foundation from which a community draws strength.

Our Mission: As a center for music for the people of Ankeny, surrounding areas and communities, the Ankeny Academy of Music has a dual purpose. The Academy is committed to offer to all interested residents and for all ages, music experiences and comprehensive instruction of the highest excellence—and it is dedicated to community service through music. The Ankeny Academy of Music is an associate member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. In these schools there is no discrimination—not for race color, religion, age or disability. We welcome anyone interested in music.

Community Service through Music