Business Details
23 Years
experience
Award-Winning Arts Education for Children in Columbus
Founded in 2003 by Tatiana Kats, Columbus Music & Art Academy has established itself as a premier institution for arts education in Central Ohio. Our programs in choral singing, visual arts, and music theory have earned international recognition, including three World Choir Games gold medals for the Columbus International Children's Choir. We are supported by the Columbus Foundation and Greater Columbus Arts Council, and our students have performed at iconic venues such as The White House, Carnegie Hall, and St. Peter's Basilica. Our faculty comprises award-winning educators with advanced degrees in their disciplines, many of whom have performed professionally at the highest levels.The academy's art students showcase their work in biannual exhibitions, while music theory students consistently outperform national averages on Royal Conservatory exams. We serve over 500 students annually from diverse backgrounds across Central Ohio communities. Our programs operate on a Saturday schedule from August through May, with flexible enrollment options and financial assistance available. With a proven track record of developing artistic excellence, we provide unparalleled opportunities for young artists to grow through performance, competition, and cultural exchange.
Services
Choral Programs
Art Classes
Music Theory
Singing Competitions
Performance Tours
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of excellence in arts education since 2003
- Internationally recognized choirs with three World Choir Games gold medals
- Faculty includes Steinway Top Teacher Award recipients and professional performers
- Students consistently outperform national averages on Royal Conservatory exams
- Comprehensive programs combining choral singing, visual arts, and music theory
What people say
Professional instructors
World-class performance opportunities
Transformative experience
Excellent vocal training
Cultural enrichment
Services
Choral Programs
Our choral programs develop vocal skills through ensemble singing for ages 5-18. Students receive professional instruction in proper technique, music reading, and performance artistry. Participants gain confidence through regular concerts and international competitions.
Art Classes
Drawing and painting classes for children aged 4-12 focus on technical skill development and creative expression. Students explore various mediums while building portfolio-quality work through structured curriculum and exhibition opportunities.
Music Theory
Royal Conservatory-certified instruction covers harmony, ear training, and sight singing. Students prepare for standardized exams while developing comprehensive musicianship skills that enhance all musical pursuits and academic performance.
Singing Competition
Annual Central Ohio Singing Competition offers performance opportunities for K-12 students across multiple categories. Participants receive professional feedback while competing for recognition and performance awards in classical and contemporary styles.
Performance Tours
Advanced choirs participate in national and international concert tours to venues like Carnegie Hall and St. Peter's Basilica. These educational experiences combine performance excellence with cultural immersion and professional development.
People
Tatiana Kats
Founder, Director, Conductor
Founder of Columbus International Children's Choir with 20+ years of experience. Recipient of Steinway Top Teacher Award and Music Educator Award from Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Holds advanced degrees from Ohio State University.
Alyse Hancock-Phillips
Conductor of Cantiamo Choir
Music educator with Bachelors in Music Education and Masters in Special Education. Brings performance experience from Capital University Chapel Choir and collaborations with major recording artists.
Dr. David Nelson Tomasacci
Music Theory Instructor
PhD in Music Theory from Ohio State University with teaching experience at multiple institutions. Composer with international performance credits and expertise in advanced theoretical concepts.
Karyn Vogelpohl
Art Instructor
Master of Fine Arts graduate from Bowling Green State University. Experienced art educator with international exhibition credits and specialized training in Renaissance architecture and art history.
Miljan Krunic
Conductor of Cantiamo Choir
Classical singer with performance experience at Opera House Graz. Holds advanced vocal performance training from University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children ages 3-18 across multiple choir levels, art classes, and music theory courses.
Do you require prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary for enrollment. Our programs accommodate beginners through advanced students.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in regular concerts, international competitions, and performance tours to prestigious venues.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we offer merit-based scholarships, sibling discounts, and need-based financial assistance for qualifying families.
How do I schedule a trial class?
Visit our website to schedule a free trial class for choir or art instruction with no enrollment obligation.
What is your academic calendar?
Classes run from August through May on Saturdays, with prorated tuition for mid-year enrollment.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Alain Welliver
Aug 25, 2021
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As a student who, throughout middle and high school, went through the choir and music classes, the experiences and opportunities I was presented with as a result of the academy were incredible. Touring around the world to sing in choir competitions and in famous venues, all while constantly improving musically and making great friends.
Lydia Utkin
Aug 11, 2021
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I sang in the CICC and took art classes at CMA for over a decade. From traveling all over the world and making lifelong friends, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Oh and it was also a world class musical education - how many kid's choirs get to sing in front of the President of the United States or on the Great Wall of China or to win the World Choir Games? Highly recommend!
Anna Elizabeth
Aug 07, 2021
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Went to a concert and absolutely loved it! I was stunned that we had such amazing talent right here in Columbus.
Sophie Xu
Jun 04, 2020
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My kids are vert happy in the choir and they have learnt a lot in the choir. The teachers are all very good musicians, full of passion in teaching music. You will not find a better choir in Columbus where your kids can enjoy singing from 4 year old to 18.
