Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in Columbia, SC
Columbia Arts Academy has been South Carolina's premier music education institution since 2003, serving over 1,600 students annually across three locations. Our 70+ faculty members combine college training and professional performance experience to deliver personalized instruction in 10+ instruments, including guitar, piano, voice, and violin. We maintain industry leadership through technological innovation, featuring LED monitors in every classroom and patented teaching methodologies like our Musical Ladder achievement system. Our facilities include soundproof studios, observation windows for parental engagement, and professional recital halls with Steinway pianos. As an Official Family Safety Plan-certified school, we implement rigorous background checks, security cameras, and supervised environments to ensure student safety. We offer flexible scheduling with lessons seven days a week, complemented by free biannual recitals and student discount programs. Our proven track record of excellence has earned us more awards than any competing Midlands music school.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Piano Lessons
Voice Training
Drum Lessons
Violin Instruction
Bass Lessons
Banjo Lessons
Mandolin Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Music Recitals
Served areas
- Columbia, SC, Northeast, Columbia, SC, Lexington, SC, Irmo, SC
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of proven excellence in music education since 2003
- 70+ qualified instructors with college training or professional experience
- Seven-day scheduling availability with morning to evening time slots
- Award-winning programs recognized as Midlands' best music education provider
- Exclusive Musical Ladder achievement system with wristbands and trophies
What people say
Positive and encouraging teachers
Professional and knowledgeable staff
Enhance musical performance
Great for adult learners
Excellent student engagement
Services
Guitar Lessons
Our guitar lessons cover rock, blues, country, and classical styles using electric and acoustic guitars. Students receive personalized instruction from experienced teachers with professional performance backgrounds. Lessons incorporate modern technology including LED monitors and music apps for enhanced learning experiences.
Piano Lessons
Piano instruction accommodates all skill levels from beginner to advanced students. Our acoustic pianos and digital keyboards allow exploration of classical compositions to contemporary pop music. Teachers adapt lessons to individual learning styles and musical preferences.
Voice Training
Voice lessons focus on proper technique, breath control, and vocal range development. Students learn various styles from classical to modern pop while building confidence through regular performance opportunities in professional recital settings.
Drum Lessons
Our drum lessons utilize state-of-the-art Roland electronic kits for versatile practice options. Instructors teach multiple genres including rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms while emphasizing proper stick technique and rhythmic precision.
Violin Lessons
Violin instruction covers classical repertoire and modern adaptations. Students develop proper bowing technique and finger placement while exploring various musical styles from traditional to contemporary pop arrangements.
People
Marty Fort
Founder
Marty Fort is a musician, songwriter, and former music professor who established Columbia Arts Academy in 2003. With decades of experience in music education, he has developed innovative teaching methodologies and built the school into South Carolina's largest music institution.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer lessons for guitar, piano, voice, drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and violin with specialized instruction in various musical styles.
What are your lesson pricing options?
30-minute weekly lessons cost $37 with a one-time $25 registration fee. We offer month-to-month commitments with no long-term contracts.
Do you have flexible scheduling?
Yes, we offer lessons seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Friday, and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday/Sunday.
Are there performance opportunities?
We host free biannual recitals at professional venues like the Koger Center for the Arts and provide opportunities for local festival performances.
What makes you different from other music schools?
We combine 20+ years of experience, 70+ qualified instructors, LED technology in every room, and our exclusive Musical Ladder achievement system with trophies and wristbands.
Do you offer family discounts?
While we don't offer direct family discounts, our Student Discount Cards provide savings on music supplies and recording studio time at partner locations.
Reviews (17)
Kayla Williams
May 13, 2022
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Love Columbia arts academy! They are flexible, affordable, and work so well with children and adults!
Robert Selzer
May 19, 2021
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Our student really enjoys her classes with Ms. Sara. We are so impressed with how much progress is made each week. The one on one class structure makes all the difference. Our student has increased her musical knowledge and ability in a short amount of time. Ms. Sara has a great energy- she's very animated and makes class interesting and fresh each week. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for music lessons in the midlands.
C. Brown
Apr 30, 2021
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For the past 16 years I've taken lessons at Columbia Arts Academy. Drum lessons for a very short while, then bass guitar. When I started guitar, I was one of 12 students, and my instructor was Marty Fort himself. Since then, I have grown from a student into a member of a band, High Maintenance. Marty, on the other hand, has grown into the largest music school in South Carolina, to include Lexington School of Music and Irmo Music Academy with over 1,200 students total. Marty hires the best instructors, who are knowledgeable and professional. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my lessons. You can rest assured, from children to adults, you will get the best from Marty Fort and his schools!
The Manuels
Apr 26, 2021
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Max is an awesome instructor and is so great with children. My son is always so excited to come to guitar practice! Amanda at the front desk makes you feel welcome and greets you with a smile. She's very helpful and knowledgeable.
MaiTy Tv
Mar 26, 2021
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I started my voice lessons back in the beginning of January and I look forward to coming! The staff is super nice and I love my teacher, she's going to be the reason I win a Grammy lol. In all honesty, this is a great place to learn and it is very welcoming. I'd definitely recommend Columbia Arts academy for anyone wanting to learn music or to sing!
Tiffany S.
Mar 14, 2021
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Wow, I am really impressed with this place and so happy to have found it. They have several convenient locations around the greater Columbia area. They offer many types of music lessons- drums, piano, guitar, voice. I love that the lessons are one on one and that parents can see what happens in the lessons either by watching in person, via Zoom call or checking their online notes from the weekly sessions. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. A great addition to our weekly line up!
Stephanie Webster
Jan 24, 2021
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My daughter loves taking guitar lessons here. She is a beginner at age 15. They have made it fun with no stress, which was exactly what we were looking for. We are very pleased!
J. Hamin
Jan 10, 2021
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Anyone considering this music school will not be disappointed. Starting with there security to ease any concerns for young students, to the qualifications of instructors, to in house incentive to motivate and support the students lessons you this school has it covered. The friendly atmosphere is conducive for growth and camaraderie so yeah I would recommend Columbia Arts Academy to support your music goal
Rob Acuff
Jan 03, 2021
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The Columbia Arts Academy is a great place to learn a musical instrument. Having the ability to be musical is something you can enjoy the rest of your life. I would highly recommend the fine people at the Columbia Arts Academy. The teachers can teach the absolute beginner or intermediate player wanting to get better. If you are your kids are looking to play music, this is the place for you!
LaVonna Watson
Dec 20, 2020
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My son is 4 years old and has been taking drum lessons for 2 years now. The teachers are amazing and patient and he enjoys every lesson! Each teacher he has had has made the lesson enjoyable keeping him focused on retaining the techniques!
Lindsay Sharpe
Sep 17, 2019
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Columbia Arts Academy has exceeded my expectations which were already high, based on recommendations from friends. My son has the best time with Will and is learning so much! I would recommend CAA to anyone!
Kellee Griffis
Columbia Arts Academy has always been an amazing studio with a lot of classes to choose from and excellent well rounded teachers and staff. I will always recommend this studio to others who I know are interested in music. My cousin, Marty Fort, owns the studio and he along with his staff are always very friendly and welcoming and willing to work with everyone.
Heather Moyer
I decided to take lessons because I had zero knowledge but a book. While the book was wonderful it couldn't tell me where to put my hands and if my sound was coming out correctly. This essential knowledge is what I am getting.
Jason Schafer
My teacher is an excellent instructor! I am continually amazed by the level of expertise and versatility he demonstrates with the guitar. I have been playing for 11 years and he is able to develop lessons that challenge and encourage me to grow in my playing and performance. My teacher is able to quickly and effectively teach difficult material in a way that students can easily understand. This is a rare gift in any field. I enthusiastically recommend the Columbia Arts Academy.
Cindy Stout
When I saw a tv commercial for Academy, I thought it was time to stop wishing I could play guitar and start really learning. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The environment is positive, happy, and encouraging. Lessons are challenging and focused on the types of music I'm interested in learning. As a middle-aged female, I was worried I would be considered "weird" for wanting to learn rock music, but I quickly discovered there was nothing to worry about.
Everyone I've encountered at the Academy is only interested in sharing their love of music and playing without any concern about how old you are. If you've always wanted to learn, or wished you were better at your instrument, don't put it off any longer! The Academy is a great place to learn!
Everyone I've encountered at the Academy is only interested in sharing their love of music and playing without any concern about how old you are. If you've always wanted to learn, or wished you were better at your instrument, don't put it off any longer! The Academy is a great place to learn!
Tarry McGovern
The Academy is a great place for the adult, who never had the time, patience, or attention span, as a child to learn to play an instrument. The Academy fosters a love for music and is a great place for an adult, to take the plunge and do something that they have only talked about for years. The instruction is excellent! The instructors are patient! Every adult that I know has nothing but great things to say about the experience they have with learning to play an instrument. If you have told everyone for years, that someday you were going to sing, play the guitar, piano etc... this is the place for you to finally do it!
Rachael McNally
Columbia Arts Academy is a wonderful place to learn how to play an instrument. Staff are warm and welcoming, the building is very clean. I love the unlimited make-ups aspect. With kids getting sick, it's nice to know we will be able to make up classes at our convenience. My son's teacher is the best. My son really enjoys every lesson and learning to play the piano. I'm so glad we found them!