Music Lovers

Music Lovers is AB Academy of Music’s program for people who want to experience music more deeply—through listening, observing, learning, conversation, and connection with a vibrant community of performers, teachers, students, and fellow music enthusiasts.

Not everyone who loves music wants to perform in public. Some people are most inspired by being in the audience: hearing repertoire come to life, watching musicians develop their ideas, observing the process of teaching and performing, and sharing thoughtful conversations about music and the performing arts.

The Music Lovers program offers a Semester or Year-Long Pass to ABAM’s Musical Gatherings, creating an ongoing experience rather than a series of unrelated events. Members can follow the musical life of the Academy over time, become familiar with its performers and teachers, encounter a wide range of repertoire and perspectives, and feel part of a community brought together by curiosity and a shared love of music.

Listen, Observe, and Learn

At ABAM, listening is an active part of learning.

Music Lovers are invited to attend Musical Gatherings throughout their membership period as audience members, experiencing performances, Piano Labs, master classes, special presentations, and other educational events offered as part of ABAM’s regular programming.

Watching a performer work through musical challenges, hearing a teacher explore interpretation in a master class, discovering unfamiliar repertoire, or hearing the same musician at different stages of development can reveal aspects of music that are difficult to encounter through recordings alone.

Over the course of a semester or year, these experiences create their own kind of curriculum—one built through careful listening, observation, reflection, discovery, and repeated encounters with live music.

Experience Music Beyond the Concert

ABAM’s Musical Gatherings are designed to bring people closer to the artistic process.

Music Lovers have opportunities not only to hear performances, but also to observe how musicians prepare, experiment, respond to feedback, develop interpretations, and communicate with an audience. Special events and conversations may explore repertoire, performance practice, artistic ideas, and broader topics connected with music and the performing arts.

There is something uniquely valuable about experiencing this process from the audience. Without the pressure of preparing to perform, Music Lovers can focus on listening closely, asking questions, making connections, and enjoying the many different ways musicians approach their art.

Become Part of the ABAM Community

A Music Lovers membership is about more than having a seat in the audience. It is an invitation to belong to the musical life of the Academy.

By returning to Musical Gatherings throughout the semester or year, members begin to recognize performers, follow their progress, meet other people who care about music, and participate in conversations that continue beyond a single performance.

For those who may love music deeply but do not feel comfortable performing in public—or simply prefer experiencing music from the audience—the program provides a meaningful way to participate. Music Lovers can support emerging and established musicians, learn alongside performers and teachers, and share in the curiosity, excitement, and sense of discovery that come from experiencing music together.

One Pass, a Semester or Year of Musical Experiences

Music Lovers may choose a Semester Pass or Year-Long Pass for ABAM Musical Gatherings. For members planning to attend regularly, the program also offers a financial advantage over purchasing individual audience passes for each Musical Gathering separately.

Just as importantly, membership encourages continuity. Instead of choosing events one at a time, Music Lovers can make ABAM part of their regular musical life—returning throughout the season to listen, learn, connect, and be inspired.

Music Lovers participate in Musical Gatherings as audience members. Performance opportunities are not included in this program. Those interested in performing should enroll in the Communuity Pianists or Rising Stars program, as appropriate. Gala Concerts are separate and are not included in the Music Lovers Semester or Year-Long Pass.