The Bellevue Academy of Arts & Music (BAAM) has expanded its footprint in Washington state with the opening of a new 4,000-square-foot campus in Bellevue. The facility integrates music, fine arts, and after-school academic support, marking a significant growth phase for the institution.
Expanding Arts Education in Bellevue
The new BAAM facility is designed to support a comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum. According to the academy, the space features 20 pianos—including five grand pianos—alongside dedicated individual practice rooms, a performance hall, group instruction studios, and specialized areas for art and after-school programming.
The opening ceremony drew local officials, including Washington State Representative Janice Zahn, Bellevue City Councilmember Clare Summers, Mercer Island City Councilmember Julie Stoehr, and Newcastle City Councilmember Sun Burford.
Educational Programming and Methodology
At the core of the academy’s curriculum is the "MathPiano" program, a proprietary method developed by BAAM founder Elaine Jung. The program aims to move students beyond traditional rote memorization by teaching them to identify mathematical patterns and structural logic within musical scores.
"I developed this method after observing students lose confidence when they struggled to read sheet music," Jung stated. "The goal is to help children cultivate confidence and critical thinking skills through music."
In addition to the MathPiano method, the academy offers:
- Mozart Music Preschool: A specialized music program for early childhood development.
- Certification Tracks: As a partner institution of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), BAAM provides curriculum aligned with international standards and preparation for music certification exams.
- Academic Support: The center provides homework supervision and learning management, with student pick-up services available in select areas.
- Extracurriculars: The academy hosts summer camps, adult piano courses, and specialized training for music prodigies preparing for international competitions.
Future Outlook
BAAM has announced plans to broaden its community impact through the expansion of scholarship programs and non-profit educational initiatives. By combining traditional arts instruction with systematic academic oversight, the academy aims to position itself as a comprehensive resource for families in the Bellevue area. The institution remains focused on the integration of arts and logical reasoning as a primary educational objective.