Business Details
23 Years
experience
Premier Music Lessons in Columbia, SC
Columbia Arts Academy has been South Carolina's premier destination for music education since 2003. Our mission is to provide exceptional, personalized instruction across 10+ instruments, fostering creativity and technical mastery in students aged 4 to adult. With 70+ faculty members holding credentials from institutions like Berklee College of Music and Oxford University, we combine rigorous pedagogy with innovative technology, including LED monitors in every room and soundproof studios equipped with professional-grade instruments.Our commitment to safety through the Family Safety Plan ensures transparent, supervised learning environments with background-checked staff. Over 1,600 students annually benefit from our flexible scheduling (9am-9pm weekdays, 7 days/week), biannual free recitals at prestigious venues, and unique programs like the Musical Ladder achievement system. As the Midlands' most awarded music school, we maintain a proven track record of excellence while offering month-to-month enrollment with no long-term contracts.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Piano Lessons
Voice Lessons
Drum Lessons
Violin Lessons
Banjo Lessons
Mandolin Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Bass Lessons
Music Recitals
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 70+ music teachers with college training or professional performance experience
- We offer lessons seven days a week from 9:00am - 9:00pm
- Our faculty includes graduates of Berklee College of Music and Oxford University
- We provide free recitals at professional venues with Steinway pianos
- Our month-to-month program requires no long-term contracts or deposits
What people say
Positive and encouraging teachers
Technologically advanced facilities
Free recitals at professional venues
Experienced instructors with music degrees
Flexible month-to-month enrollment
Services
Guitar Lessons
Our guitar instructors teach rock, blues, metal, country, and classical styles on electric and acoustic guitars. Students learn chords, scales, sight reading, and favorite songs while developing technical proficiency. With faculty from prestigious institutions like Berklee College of Music, we offer personalized instruction for ages 5+ using professional-grade equipment and modern teaching methods.
Piano Lessons
Piano instruction covers classical to contemporary styles with a focus on sight reading, technique, and theory. Our teachers use acoustic pianos and digital keyboards to accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. Lessons incorporate popular music selections while maintaining rigorous technical development through a curriculum developed by graduates of top music conservatories.
Voice Lessons
Specialized vocal training develops range, breath control, and performance skills across genres including pop, rock, country, and classical. Instructors emphasize proper technique and vocal health while preparing students for recitals and real-world performance opportunities. Our faculty includes touring professionals and graduates of elite music programs who provide personalized feedback for ages 6+.
Drum Lessons
State-of-the-art drum rooms equipped with Roland electronic kits support instruction in rock, jazz, funk, and other styles. Students develop speed, coordination, and rhythmic complexity while learning favorite songs. Our experienced instructors focus on both technical mastery and creative expression, preparing drummers for band performance and recital opportunities.
Violin Lessons
Violin instruction covers classical, folk, and contemporary styles with emphasis on proper technique and musical expression. Students develop intonation, bowing skills, and repertoire through personalized lesson plans. Our instructors, trained at institutions like Indiana University, incorporate both traditional methods and modern pedagogical approaches to suit all ages and ability levels.
People
Marty Fort
Founder
Marty Fort founded Columbia Arts Academy in 2003 after a successful career as a musician and educator. A former music professor with extensive industry experience, he has shaped the academy's innovative curriculum and commitment to accessible, high-quality music education for all ages.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer lessons for guitar, piano, voice, drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and violin with specialized instruction in multiple musical styles.
Do you offer lessons for adults?
Yes, we have many adult students and instructors specifically trained to address the unique needs of mature learners in a supportive environment.
What are your lesson hours?
Lessons are available Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, and Sunday 1pm-6pm for maximum scheduling flexibility.
Are there performance opportunities?
We host free biannual recitals at professional venues like the Koger Center for Arts and offer additional performance chances at local festivals and special events.
What makes you different from other music schools?
We combine 70+ qualified instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, flexible scheduling, and our exclusive Musical Ladder achievement system with month-to-month enrollment and no contracts.
Do you sell instruments?
Yes, we offer beginner acoustic guitars and violins starting at $89, along with necessary accessories for students starting their musical journey.
