Private music academy in Bradenton thrives amid arts funding cuts

BRADENTON, Fla. — Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis made huge cuts to Florida’s arts funding, leading many public school districts to place uncertainty on many programs.

As a result, one music academy in Manatee County says they’re seeing a spike in enrollment as parents sought options.

“We had people driving from North Manatee, from South Manatee,” Premier Music Academy owner Whitney Lopez said. “I do believe that it has to do with the school systems slashing funding for the arts.”

She says they’ve seen a 51% increase in enrollment between 2022 and 2025. That led to them expanding and opening a second location recently.

“The funding being so low for the arts — we’re ready for the boom,” she said.

Lily Woodruff, a student at the academy, has been attending for six years and plans to continue.

She found her talent at a young age. Now at 14 years old, Lily plays six instruments. She says she’s refined her skills over the years, and that her musical passion is driven by faith.

“I love playing piano. Because it gives me an opportunity to just, like, do what I want and just to, like, glorify God through music,” she said. “I want to get better so I can be a worship singer.”

She says the arts are a critical part of her life and supports keeping them in education. Lily will be a freshman in high school this fall where she hopes to learn more about music.

Public arts and culture funding did see some reversals in Florida’s budget for 2025-26, as the state restored millions of dollars in grants.