6800
SONGS RECORDED
534
MIX & MASTERS
40K
STUDENTS
850
MUSIC PROGRAMS
Accredited Music Technology School & Professional Recording Studio
Where Music Production, Industry Certification, Youth Enrichment, and Community Healing Come Together.
Music Theory Studios is Norfolk’s premier Accredited Music Technology School and full-service Recording Studio dedicated to transforming lives through:
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Creativity + Innovation + Opportunity
As an official AVID Pro Tools Certified Training Center, MTS provides Accredited Industry-Recognized Certificate Diplomas, hands-on Production Instruction, and Career Pathways in Music, Media, Art, and Entertainment.
For over 16 years, MTS has delivered High-Impact Youth Enrichment in STEAM, Adult Training, Professional Studio Services, and Community-Focused Programs that Empower Students and Artists from all backgrounds.
Our Mission is Rooted in 3 Pillars:
Teach. Motivate. Inspire.
Music Theory Studios has been proudly featured across Local & Regional Television, Radio, Magazines, Digital Media, and Community Networks — highlighting our success, community impact, and innovative approach to music technology education.
Our highly-viewed Promotional Page showcases:
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Award-winning Program Highlights + Events
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Television interviews & Media Features
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Youth & Adult Success Stories
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Testimonials from community partners
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Press Coverage Validating our Reputation & Proof of Concept
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Recognition from City Officials, Universities, and Statewide Organizations
This Visibility Reinforces MTS as a trusted Creative Institution & a Leading Provider of Music Technology Education + Recording Services in Hampton Roads since 2009.
AS SEEN ON TV
PROVEN. TRUSTED. RECOGNIZED.
⭐ 2025 WINNER ⭐
'BEST SERVICES' in Eastern Virginia
VIRGINIA LIVING Magazine
What the REVIEWS Say!
"In my 20+ years of recording music across the country, I can confidently say that Music Theory Studios has provided me the Best Experience, Service, and Final Product hands-down! From the studio ambiance to the detailed attention that DJ Karee provides in ensuring your project sounds industry standard, its no wonder why he is an industry leader and a respected mentor in the community!!"
~ Randy Brown (Musician)
Wren Lamey
2024 - 2025 CoHort
BEATS by VETS - Particpant
Love the structure and curriculum for group & AVID class. The clinical partnership with creative expression and then the deep work of therapy I was very reluctant but from day one I felt at home and really welcomed. I have been very happy to both the group therapy and the AVID class. I learned so much about my thoughts and character. Overall its the peer to peer connection that I have really connected with.
Daun S. Hester
Norfolk City Treasurer
City of Norfolk
MTS has provided programming that has opened doors to countless students who might not otherwise have access to music education and technology training. There After School & Summer initiatives have create fun, safe welcoming spaces for young people to explore their creativity.
Patrice C. Smith
Special Assistant to the Dean
Director CSET Health &
Science Summer STEAMH Academy
The students were taught the logistics of music production and the association of music and art. They learned and used equipment for audio engineering, “Beat” making and DJing. The students and parents were thrilled with the outcome.
The parents asked that MTS be included for the of Summer of 2026.
Our Partners
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Have Great Producers Lining Up to Work with You!
Get a Celebrity Level Project without Going Broke!
It's True! We have Recorded, Mixed & Mastered
Countless Major Recording Artists right at Music Theory Studios
Our 4 Pillars of Impact - Everything We Do is Rooted in 4 Powerful Pillars
Accredited Music Technology Education. Community Wellness. Youth Empowerment. Professional Music Production Services
Together, they form the foundation of our Music Technology School that Inspires Growth, Unlocks Skills, and Opens Real Pathways in Media, Music, Education, & Entertainment.
ACCREDITED MUSIC EDUCATION
Accredited Certification Diploma in
🎧 AVID Pro Tools Audio Engineering
As an official AVID Learning Partner, our Students Gain:
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Accredited Pro Tools 101 & 110 Certification
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Industry-Standard DAW Training
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Professional Studio Workflows
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Accelerated Program in Audio Engineering
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Career-ready Audio Engineering skills
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Projects, Exercises, Quizzes, Tests, and Final Exams
This Certification Diploma is widely Recognized across the Entertainment Industry — Opening Doors to Internships, Studios, Media Jobs, and Collegiate Pathways.
MUSIC PRODUCTION SERVICES
Professional Recording Studio
🎙Music Production Services
MTS also Operates as a Full-Service Music Production & Recording Studio offering:
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Vocal / Instrumentation Recording
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Mixing & Mastering
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Vocal Production
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Beat Development
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Songwriting Support
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Studio Sessions with Engineer
Trusted by Indie Artists, National Talent, and Major Companies, & Local Organizations across Hampton Roads.
COMMUNITY WELLNESS
BEATS by VETS - Music Therapy
🇺🇸 Clinical + Creative Program for SMVF
A 12-month trauma-informed program for Service Members, Veterans & their Families who may experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, opioid addiction, or suicidal ideation — especially those who may not seek help through the VA.
The BEATS by VETS Program blends:
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Group Therapy & Individual Counseling
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AVID Pro Tools Certification Diploma
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Music Production Education & Training
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SMVF Community Support
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For many Veterans, creative purpose is the bridge to clinical healing — and we built this program to honor that truth.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
The ELiTE 32 – State-Funded
🎓 After-School Program
Our Signature Youth Program Serving Grades 7–17. Only 32 students are accepted per semester.
The ELiTE 32 provides:
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Daily Homework & Tutoring support
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2–3 Music Technology Classes per day
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Beat Making, Serato DJ, Audio Engineering, Songwriting
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Safe, Structured Enrichment from 3PM–6PM
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STEAMM-based Curriculum
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Mentorship, Leadership & Creativity
Enrollment fills quickly and is supported through state funding and local partnerships.
BEATS by VETS – Music Technology & Music Therapy
Transforming Mental Health for SMVF Through Music & Connection
BEATS by VETS is a 12-month, trauma-informed program created for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) who may experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, opioid addiction, or suicidal ideation. This innovative initiative blends evidence-based Group Therapy and Individual Counseling with AVID Pro Tools Audio Engineering Certification, offering both clinical support and a meaningful creative outlet.
Participants learn to produce music, build resilience, and rediscover purpose through hands-on music technology, therapeutic engagement, and a supportive community designed for those who may not normally seek help through the VA.
Through this dual clinical-and-creative framework, Veterans transform their experiences into expression, connection, and growth.
⭐ PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
What Participants Receive — A $15,500 Program Delivered at No Cost to SMVF
BEATS by VETS is a fully funded $15,500 Music Therapy and Music Technology program that provides eligible Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) access to a powerful clinical + creative experience at absolutely no cost. Participants receive:
Clinical Support
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Weekly Group Therapy led by Licensed Clinicians
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Monthly 1:1 Counseling Sessions
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Trauma-informed support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction recovery & life transition challenges
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Peer connection in a safe, healing environment
Career-Building Creative Training
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FREE Accredited Certification Diploma in AVID Pro Tools
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Training in Beat Making, Audio Engineering, Digital Recording & Sound Design
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Hands-on instruction with industry-grade equipment
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Access to labs, studio sessions & guided project development
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Skill-building for second-career opportunities in Music, Media, Art & Entertainment
Additional Program Benefits
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All materials, software access, and clinical sessions included
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Supportive cohort community
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A year-long pathway built around healing, purpose, and creativity
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Graduation ceremony and credential recognition
This unique program gives SMVF the opportunity to receive professional music-tech education, mental-health support, and accredited certification — all without the financial barriers typically associated with high-quality training and therapy.
⭐ Program Snapshot
📅 Duration: 12 Months
💰 Cost: $15,500 Program — FREE for SMVF
📍 Location: Norfolk, VA
🎓 Accredited Certification: AVID Pro Tools
🗓 Weekly Schedule:
90 Minute AVID ProTools 1x Week
90 Minute Group Therapy 1x Week
1:1 Personal Therapy Session 1x Month
Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math. Music.
MTS is firmly recognized as a legitimate vehicle for the Full S.T.E.A.M.M. ahead Enrichment Initiative.
🎓 The ELiTE 32 –Music Technology After-School Program
The ELiTE 32 is a High-Energy, State-Funded After-School Enrichment Program Serving Students Ages 7–17. Only 32 Students are Accepted per Semester, providing Every Child Personal Attention, Creative Mentorship, and Hands-on Training in Music Technology, Production, Audio Engineering, and Digital Media.
The ELiTE 32 provides:
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Daily Homework & Tutoring Support
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2 Music Technology Classes per day
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Safe, Structured Enrichment from 3PM–6PM
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STEAMM-based Curriculum
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Mentorship, Leadership & Creativity
We’re Not Babysitting -We’re Building
The ELiTE 32 is the only program in Hampton Roads where students:
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Learn on Pro Studio Equipment
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Use Industry Software
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Pro Tools, FL Studio, Serato, etc.
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Build Real Music Projects
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Beats, Mixes, Podcasts, Songs
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Learn + Develop Life Skills
STEAMM-Industry-Inspired Classes:
Music + Technology STEAMM
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Audio Engineering
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Beat Making
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DJ Classes
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Digital Media
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Podcasting
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Audio / Studio Recording
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Software Skills
Scholarships Available
TCA provides pathways into thriving Music Tech Trades & Gives Students Opportunities often Overlooked in Urban Environments.
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$35 Registration Fee Due at Enrollment
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$24 / per day *Tuition Costs
Providing Music Access for All!
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No Cost to Families who meet the Scholarship Financial Requirements.
Program SnapShot
📅 Days: Monday–Friday
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎧 Ages: 7–17
👥 Capacity: Only 32 Students per session
💻 Format: STEAMM + Music Technology
📍 Location: Norfolk, VA
Age Groups 7 - 17
At The ELiTE 32 we intentionally keep our program small to ensure personal attention and high-quality instruction. Students are divided into 4 groups of 8, based on age:
GROUP AGE RANGE
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Group A Ages 7 – 9
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Group B Ages 10 – 12
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Group C Ages 13 – 14
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Group D Ages 15 – 17
Youth Music Classes + After School Programs + Summer Camps
Impactful Music Enrichment Programs
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ADULT Music Programs + Accredited Music Courses
Where Passion Meets Professional Training
Whether You're Starting Fresh, Leveling Up Your Skills, or Preparing for a Career in Music, Media, or Entertainment — our Adult Programs Give You Hands-on, Industry-proven Training Led by Certified Professional Instructors Working Inside a Real Recording Studio Environment.
These Evening & Weekend Programs are Designed for Adults 18+ Who Want Real Skills, Real Credentials, and Real Opportunities.
AVID ProTools - Audio Engineering Certification
Audio ENGINEER Course
ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION DIPLOMA
AVID Pro Tools Certification – PT 101 & 110
Become a Certified Audio Engineer
🎓 Get Trained and Certified in the World’s Leading Industry Standard: AVID Pro Tools.
This is the Credential Used by Major Studios, Film Companies, News Rooms, Theaters, Podcasters, and Live Sound Engineers Worldwide.
Perfect for Adults who Want To:
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Start an Engineering Career
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Transition into the Music/Media Industry
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Learn the Real Workflow of Professional Studios
What You Earn:
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AVID Pro Tools 101 & 110 Coursework
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Official Certification Exam prep
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Hands-on Training in a Real Studio
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One-on-One Instructor Support
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Mentorship
Outcome:
📄 Earn your Accredited Pro Tools Certification — the golden ticket to serious audio work.
BEAT MAKING: Music Production
FL STUDIOS & ABLETON
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Beat Making & Music Production: FL STUDIOS & ABLETON
Earn Your Certificate of Completion
🔥Produce Your Own Beats — Start to Finish
Learn How to Create Professional-Quality Music Using Today’s Most Popular Digital Audio Workstations in Music Technology.
You’ll Learn:
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Music History + Vocabulary
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Intro to Equipment / Software
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Drum Patterns & Sequences
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Sound Library
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Modify Sounds
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Counting / Beats Per Minute
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Mixing / Layering
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Beat Styles & Samples
Perfect For:
Producers, Creators, Songwriters, or Anyone Who wants to Turn Creativity into a Skillset.
Outcome:
🎵 Walk Away with a Certification of Completion, Finished Beats, New Skills, and a Strong Production Foundation.
DJ PROGRAM: MIX 101 - 103
SERATO DJ CLASSES
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Music Production Classes: SERATO DJ Classes
🎧 Learn the Art of DJing - Beginner. Intermediate. Advanced.
Earn Your Certificate of Completion
Learn the Art of DJing — From Beginner to Performance-Ready
Whether You’ve Never Touched a Controller or You’ve Played a Few Gigs, the DJ Program Teaches Real Technique , Software Education, and Performance Confidence.
You’ll Learn:
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How to DJ using Technique Turntables w/Serato Vinyl
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DJ Controller Essentials - Pioneer & RANE 1
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Beat Matching & Transitions
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Cue points, loops & FXSet building + live performance basics
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Music Library Management & Gig Workflow
Perfect For:
Aspiring DJs, Producers, Creatives, Event DJs, or Performers who want pro-level training.
Outcome:
🎵 Master Your Setup, Perform a Polished DJ set, Understand Your Spftware & Equipment inside - out, and Learn How to Read + Control Any Crowd with Confidence.
VOCAL COACHING: 1:1 Voice Lessons
VOCAL COACHING
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Vocal Coaching & Artist Development
🎤 Learn How to Sing the 'Right Way' with weekly Coaching
Strengthen Your Voice. Build Your Confidence.
Vocal Coaching is Designed for Singers, Performers, and Aspiring Artists who want Real Vocal Development — Not Just Warm-ups.
You’ll Learn:
Breath Control & Vocal Technique
Pitch, Tone, Range & Projection
Studio Vocal Recording Skills
Live Performance Confidence
Artist Identity & Expression
Perfect For:
All Ages. Beginner to Intermediate Vocalists, Recording Artists, and Creatives Looking to Grow.
Outcome:
🎙 Record Vocals like a Pro and Perform with Confidence.
Your Project Shouldn't Take a Year to Record.
You need well-recorded Radio Quality Songs and Top-Notch Post Production. We focus on Your Sound - whether it be for
Music Artists, Book Narrations, Voice Overs, Commercials, Podcasts, or Musical Compositions.
Our Latest Projects
"QUALIFIED"
SNOOP DOGG ft. LARRY JUNE,
& OCTOBER LONDON
MIXED BY: MUSIC THEORY STUDIOS
"I WANNA THANK ME"
JANE HANDCOCK
ft SNOOP DOGG
MIXED BY: MUSIC THEORY STUDIOS
"LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD"
NO MALICE
RECORDED & MIXED BY:
MUSIC THEORY STUDIOS
"IT'S IN THE AIR"
SNOOP DOGG ft. UNCLE MURDA,
& JANE HANDCOCK
MIXED BY: MUSIC THEORY STUDIOS
Record Your Music with Highly Skilled Audio Engineers
Who You Work with Matters
Your Project Shouldn't Take a Year to Record
Artists, Musicians, Producers.
For Over a Decade Music Theory Studios Has Specialized in
Professional Audio Recording, Mixing, Mastering, & Music Instruction.
Our Recording Studios are Staffed by Highly Skilled and Seasoned Producers who help You Achieve Your Musical Goals.
High-quality Audio Recording Equipment
for Recording Sessions, Podcasts , and Mix & Masters.
Achieve Personal Growth through Education and Gain Knowledge in Music Production
Experienced Avid ProTools & Serato DJ Certified Producers, Engineers & Instructors.
Flexible Scheduling & Inexpensive Music Recording & Training Classes