Dorolyn Academy of Music

Celebrating  25 years of excellence

in Performing Arts Education

****The  History***

Dorolyn's introduction to arts education was on September 24, 1982, in Oak  Park, IL at the intersection of Austin and Lake St.  The original facility was a mere 1500 square feet, with 5 instruction studios.  With a vision in mind and an ability to facilitate that vision, Dr. Bounds launched the Academy with 13 students, under the watchful eye of 5 instructors, tutoring in piano, organ, voice, guitar and drums. 

Dr. Bounds started Dorolyn with $1,003 from savings she had accumulated in exchange for food coupons.  To ensure the Academy would be an all-inclusive organization for the community, she set the tuition at only $5.00 per week. 

Mrs. Juanita  Calermee

One of Dorolyn's first instructors from our inception in 1982, and long-time devoted friend and mentor of Dr. Bounds.  Mrs. Calermee was a piano and vocal coach who was gifted, warm hearted and quite demanding...all of which enabled her to create a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

By the summer of 1990, Bounds had successfully negotiated the purchase of a 15,000 square feet facility located at 411  South  Blvd. in Oak Park IL.  Dr. Bounds felt that this was the perfect location and the perfect candidate to become the new home for the Academy.  Thus, the former "showroom" was converted into a 350 seat auditorium to accomodate the Academy's many recitals, concerts, lectures and workshops. 

Our spirit of giving

One of the areas we are most proud is the importance placed on giving back to the community.   Since 1990 the Academy has awarded numerous scholarships to outstanding students in vocal, and instrumental performance.   The Academy has also awarded scholarships that enabled outstanding students to pursue their artistic aspirations beyond Dorolyn.   Some of Dorolyn's outstanding student performances include:  The Lion King, Showboat (National Tour), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Color Purple (Broadway Musical Workshop).  Television: 7th Heaven, Movie: The Little Rascals. 

Replenishing the Arts

The Academy has been tremendously rewarded by seeing the fruit of its labor come to harvest through our apprenticeship program.  This facet of the Academy identifies students who have exhibited extraordinary, long-term commitment to their craft, and have maintained excellence in the comprehension and performance thereof.  Some of the aforementioned apprentices currently serve with the Academy in a full-time capacity. 

Who  we  serve

Dorolyn is comprised of a multi-cultural staff that provides technique and performance curriculum to approximately 300 students per week to the communities of Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and the greater Chicago metropolitan area.  We service students from a wide range of age, ethnic, educational, economic and environmental backgrounds. 

Our  core belief

We whole-heartedly believe in, and work towards strengthening our communities by strengthening the minds, spirits and artistry of the young lives within those communities.