Dating back to 1920 and named after the first Prime Minister of the 2nd Polish Republic which was formed after the collapse of the occupying powers in WWII, the academy honours one of Poland's greatest statesman. However Paderewski was not just a statesman but also an accomplished concert pianist and it is this side of his character that is honoured here. With over 700 students, the music academy provides education and training in 7 different faculties including conducting, composition and instruments. It is also the only place in Poland where the art of violin making is taught.