MTS Music Theory Studio Inc.

What MTS Music Theory Studio Inc. does

MTS Music Theory Studio Inc. is a privately-held music technology academy and recording studio operating from a single facility in Norfolk, Virginia, founded in 2009 and operating continuously for approximately seventeen years with a staff of 1–10 employees. The company runs a hybrid model that combines (i) accredited adult music technology education — most notably as an official AVID Learning Partner delivering Pro Tools 101 & 110 certification — alongside FL Studio and Ableton beat-making, Serato DJ training, and one-on-one vocal coaching, and (ii) a full-service professional recording studio offering hourly sessions starting at $65, mixing and mastering, podcast production, and beat development. Its under-18 programs include the ELiTE 32 after-school program (capped at 32 students per semester, grades 7–17, ~$24/day), the "Music Is My Passion" summer camp ($275/week), and weekly youth beat-making and DJ classes; these programs hold a Virginia Child Day Center License and a SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) certification. A specialized 12-month offering called BEATS by VETS combines clinical group and individual therapy with AVID Pro Tools certification for Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF), and is delivered free to participants through grants and state-agency partnerships with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the US National Guard. The company monetizes through course tuition (ranging from $195 for 16-week voice lessons to $3,250 for the Pro Tools certification track), hourly studio rental, and multi-week summer camp enrollment, with Klarna/AfterPay payment plans, $20 active-duty discounts, and scholarships extending affordability. Distribution combines direct booking (phone, email, website), in-person studio attendance, virtual course delivery for remote learners, and a referral ecosystem spanning Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, City of Norfolk, Boys & Girls Club, Norfolk and Newport News Public Schools, iHeartMedia/103 Jamz, and other community anchors.

Name

MTS Music Theory Studio Inc.

Legal name

Music Theory Studios LLC

Website

https://musictheorystudios.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MTS Music Theory Studio Inc. is a Norfolk, VA-based music technology academy and professional recording studio founded in 2009, delivering AVID Pro Tools certification, beat-making, DJ, and vocal training to adults and youth, alongside studio recording services and the BEATS by VETS music-therapy program for veterans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Education & Recording Studio Services

NAICS

Sound Recording Studios (51224), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Other Sound Recording Industries (512290)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Production & Composition (Songwriting, Recording, DJing) (EDAMAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recording Studios (Commercial, Project, Mobile) (MPAIAHAA), Music Theory, Ear Training & Musicianship (EDAMANAF)

Keywords

• Music education services
• Recording studio services
• DJ training classes
• Music production courses
• Youth music programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Norfolk

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Recording Studio Services: Hourly recording sessions starting at $65 per hour including vocal recording, mixing, mastering, podcast production, and studio time with professional engineers.
2. AVID ProTools Certification Course: 37-week audio engineering certification course (PT 101 & 110) priced at $3,250 total. Includes $100 enrollment fee, AVID textbooks, and flexible payment plans. Multiple schedule options available.
3. Beat Making Classes (FL Studio/Ableton): 16-week beat making courses priced at $640 total or $195 per course. Payment options include monthly ($160/month for 4 months) or bi-weekly ($80/2 weeks for 8 payments).
4. DJ Classes (Serato DJ): DJ certification courses priced at $880 total with multiple payment plan options including $300 down + monthly payments, or bi-weekly installments. 22-week accelerated program.
5. Summer Camp Programs: Full-day summer camps at $275 per week ($55 registration + $220 balance). Includes lunch, snacks, materials, t-shirt, and software licenses. Multi-week discount available.
6. ELiTE 32 After-School Program: Semester-based after-school program priced at $24/day or $75-120/week depending on attendance. $100 registration fee per semester. Includes tutoring and 2-3 music technology classes daily.
7. Youth Music Classes: Weekly youth classes (Beat Making + DJ) at $40/week or $80 bi-weekly. $35 registration fee. 16-week course with 60-minute weekly sessions.
8. Voice Lessons: Private 1:1 vocal coaching sessions priced at $195 for 16-week courses. Available in-studio or virtual. Covers breath control, pitch, tone, range, and studio recording skills.
9. BEATS by VETS Program (Free to SMVF): 12-month program valued at $15,500 (AVID certification + therapy) provided at no cost to eligible Service Members, Veterans, and Families. Funded through grants and community partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

MTS Music Theory Studio delivers in-person music education and recording studio services from its Norfolk, VA facility, including after-school youth programs, summer music camps, vocal coaching, beat making courses on FL Studio and Ableton, Serato DJ classes, and AVID Pro Tools certification training. The studio also provides professional recording services and runs the BEATS by VETS program for veterans, supported by founder DJ Karee.

Product overview

Music Theory Studios is a hybrid business combining an accredited Music Technology Academy and a full-service Recording Studio. The core offerings include: the ELiTE 32 After-School Program and Summer Camp for youth (ages 7-17); AVID ProTools Certification for audio engineering credentials; FL Studio and Ableton Beat Making Classes for music production; Serato DJ Classes for DJ training; Vocal Coaching for singers; and Recording Studio Services for music production. Specialized programs include BEATS by VETS, a 12-month music therapy program for veterans combining clinical support with audio engineering certification. The company also offers Voice Lessons, Podcast Production, and Youth Music Classes. All programs are delivered through their Norfolk, VA facility with instruction from industry professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Theory Creative Academy (TCA): The nonprofit arm of Music Theory Studios, providing STEAMM-based music education programs and pathways for underrepresented youth in Hampton Roads.

Products and services

• ELiTE 32 After-School Program Structured after-school music program for youth delivered through MTS's Norfolk, VA studio, covering music production, DJ, and creative skills in a cohort setting.
• Music Is My Passion Summer Camp Summer camp program delivering music education and creative enrichment to children during the school break, hosted at the MTS Norfolk, VA facility.
• AVID ProTools Certification Industry-recognized AVID Pro Tools certification training for adult learners and aspiring audio engineers seeking credentials for careers in audio production.
• Beat Making Classes (FL Studio and Ableton) Instruction in music production using FL Studio and Ableton software, teaching beat making workflows to aspiring producers and hobbyists.
• Serato DJ Classes Hands-on DJ instruction using the Serato platform, teaching mixing and performance skills to aspiring DJs and music enthusiasts.
• Vocal Coaching and Voice Lessons Private vocal coaching and voice lessons for students seeking personalized vocal technique training and performance preparation.
• Recording Studio Services Professional recording studio services provided on-site at the MTS Norfolk, VA facility, supporting artists and clients seeking high-quality recording for their projects.
• BEATS by VETS Program Music production program designed for military veterans, providing creative and skill-building engagement in beat making and production at the MTS facility.
• Youth Music Classes Group music classes for children and teens covering fundamental music skills, delivered at the MTS Norfolk, VA studio.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40,000+ youth served through music instruction programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AVID Technology, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial AVID Learning Partner and Certified Training Center authorized to deliver accredited Pro Tools 101 & 110 certification courses. Students receive industry-recognized certification credentials widely valued across music, film, TV, and entertainment industries.
• Norfolk State UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHBCU partnership providing educational pathways and community engagement in music technology education for Norfolk State students and faculty.
• Old Dominion University - Brooks Crossing Innovation LabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation lab partnership providing maker space access, technology resources, and entrepreneurship support for MTS students and program participants.
• City of NorfolkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partnership with Norfolk city government supporting community music education initiatives, youth enrichment programs, and neighborhood development.
• iHeartMedia / 103 JamzcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio partnership with iHeartMedia's 103 Jamz station. DJ Karee serves as mix show DJ. Platform for promoting MTS programs and events to Hampton Roads audience.
• Virginia Department of Veterans ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership supporting BEATS by VETS program for Service Members, Veterans, and Families. Provides resources and recognition for trauma-informed music therapy initiative.
• United States National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary partnership for BEATS by VETS program providing SMVF Night Open House events and access to military community resources for veteran music therapy programming.
• Boys & Girls Club of Virginia BeachmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development partnership providing music technology education and STEAMM enrichment programs for Boys & Girls Club members in Virginia Beach.
• Norfolk Public SchoolsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Norfolk Public Schools providing music technology curriculum integration, after-school enrichment, and career pathway development for students.
• Newport News Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional school district partnership extending music technology education and STEAMM programming to Newport News students.
• The Academies of HamptonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with local academy providing specialized educational programming and music technology curriculum integration.
• Slover LibrarymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic library partnership hosting MTS Beat Clinic events and providing community access to music technology education and workshops.
• Downing Gross Cultural Arts CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCultural arts center partnership providing community access to music production education and creative programming.
• WHRO (Public Media)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic media partnership providing broadcast platform for music education content and community outreach programming.
• Norfolk Parks & RecreationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMunicipal parks and recreation partnership providing music enrichment programming and facility access for community events.
• Virginia Beach Parks & RecreationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional parks partnership extending music education and summer camp programs to Virginia Beach residents.
• Tidewater Youth Services FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit foundation partnership supporting youth music technology programs and providing pathways for underserved youth in Hampton Roads.
• Next Step to SuccessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services organization partnership providing music enrichment and creative programming for at-risk youth.
• Arts 4 LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education nonprofit partnership integrating music and arts programming into youth development initiatives.
• NEON DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDowntown Norfolk arts district partnership supporting creative economy development and music technology entrepreneurship.
• d'art of NorfolkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt organization partnership promoting visual and performing arts integration with music technology education.
• Regent UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partnership providing educational pathways and leadership development programming.
• Ghent Montessori SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate school partnership providing specialized music technology curriculum for Montessori students.
• Theory Creative Academy Foundation (Nonprofit Arm)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternal nonprofit foundation arm providing scholarship funding, grant support, and community impact initiatives. Bridge between music, technology, and opportunity for underrepresented youth.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SAE Institute: Global audio engineering and music production school with multiple campuses and online delivery. SAE offers industry-recognized audio engineering curricula analogous to MTS's AVID Pro Tools certification pathway, but at much larger scale.
• Dark Horse Institute: Nashville-based audio engineering and music production school combining classroom instruction with hands-on studio work. Operates a similar small-scale, hybrid education-plus-studio model targeting aspiring music professionals.
• Omega Studios School: Maryland-based professional recording studio combined with a school of audio production. Closely mirrors MTS's hybrid model of paid studio services + accredited audio training at a single facility.
• Abbey Road Institute: Premium music production and audio engineering school affiliated with Abbey Road Studios, offering diploma programs in audio engineering, music production, and post-production. Comparable to MTS's AVID Pro Tools certification offering but positioned as a higher-cost, global brand.
• Pyramind: San Francisco-based music production school and recording studio that delivers DAW-based training (Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic) and professional studio services. Closely comparable hybrid model to MTS: education revenue combined with paid studio services targeting artists and aspiring producers.
• Recording Connection: Mentor-based audio engineering and music production school placing students in professional recording studios. Targets the same aspiring audio engineers as MTS's AVID certification, with an alternative apprenticeship-style delivery model.
• Atlanta Institute of Music and Media: Accredited music and media school offering certificate and degree programs in audio engineering, music production, and vocal performance. Comparable mission of producing career-ready music industry professionals.

Broad incumbents

• Berklee Online: Online music education arm of Berklee College of Music, offering courses and certificates in music production, audio engineering, and beat making. Competes with MTS on adult certification demand but lacks MTS's physical recording-studio advantage.
• Full Sail University: Large accredited institution offering audio engineering, music production, and entertainment technology degrees. Overlaps with MTS's adult training and youth STEAMM pathway programs but operates at much larger scale with degree-granting authority.

Others

• Avid Technology: Creator of Pro Tools and operator of the AVID Learning Partner program that authorizes MTS to deliver official certifications. Not a competitor; rather the technology enabler whose credentials underwrite MTS's certification revenue stream.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/MusicTheoryMTS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWa4q2EIMCHgY2tv2DJuS6A?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/Musictheorystudios
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/music-theory-studios
• Instagraminstagram.com/musictheorystudios/?next=%2F
• TikToktiktok.com/@musictheorystudios

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MTS Music Theory Studio Inc.