MUSICAL MENTORS ACADEMY
Private lessons and mindful mentorship, empowering ambitious,
dedicated students to succeed in their musical journey and beyond
MMA information for the 2026-2027 school year will be available in late summer!
Program Overview
Musical Mentors Academy (MMA) is a private-lesson program that pairs dedicated, ambitious music students with expert teachers for a series of subsidized private lessons, personalized mentorship, and impactful growth.
The majority of MMA lessons are taught/taken online. At MMC, we believe the only thing standing in the way of someone’s musical aspiration is access to the right teacher for great music lessons. Online music lessons allow anyone, anywhere to take lessons from a teacher who really understands their needs. MMC’s impressive roster of Musical Mentors can meet students exactly where they are and help take them to wherever they want to be.
We take a student-centered, personalized approach to pairing students with their Musical Mentor, allowing them to build meaningful and consistent relationships.
MMA students perform in online recitals and have access to optional workshops and community events, both in person and online.
Students can register for the MMA program as individual music students or through partnerships with public schools, non-profits, community centers, and other arts organizations. When MMA participation occurs through partnerships, lessons may be in person, depending on the location, teacher availability, and partner details.
Online Lessons on Forte Lessons by Virtu.Academy:
MMC is partnered with Virtu.Academy, a premier online music education platform connecting students with world-class musicians from top orchestras, ensembles, and conservatories. Through high-quality live video lessons hosted on Virtu.Academy’s revolutionary Forte Lessons platform, Virtu.Academy offers personalized instruction and inspiring educational experiences to students of all ages and skill levels, wherever they are.
Through our partnership, all MMA students are able to take lessons, communicate with their Musical Mentor, and access engaging learning resources directly through the Forte Lessons platform. MMC families receive these exceptional opportunities as part of their participation in MMA – making world-class music education accessible to students who might not otherwise have the chance to study privately.
Who
Age: MMA is open to students of all ages, but we recommend the program for students in 3rd grade and above, to ensure a successful private lesson experience.
Location: MMA is open to students everywhere, but only students in the USA are eligible for scholarship support.
Ability Level: MMA is open to students of all musical ability levels. Some MMA students may be looking to be accepted into high school or collegiate music programs, while others may be excited to start beginning piano lessons.
Commitment Level: Whatever the age, prior experience, or motivation, MMA students are willing to commit to lessons, workshops, masterclasses, performance opportunities, and community events during the school year (September through May). MMA students want to improve instrumental technique, develop solo and ensemble skills, explore repertoire, and strengthen their performance skills.
Another Program Option – Musical Mentors Exploration:
Elementary and middle school students enrolled in our Musical Mentors Exploration (MME) program receive special exploration lessons with our Musical Mentors, giving them the opportunity to experience individualized instruction. If you’re looking for after-school programming combined with small-group or private lessons, MME might be right for you!
MMA Lesson Pathways
Students can choose from two distinct lesson pathways within MMA: Exploration Lessons or Forte Lessons.
Exploration Lessons
The Exploration Lessons pathway is recommended for beginning-level students (one year or less of experience), students in elementary or early middle school, or students who want an introductory private lesson experience.
The Exploration Lessons pathway includes:
- Online lessons
- 1 performance opportunity
- Access to workshops or masterclasses
- Access to community events
Forte Lessons
The Forte Lessons pathway is recommended for intermediate- and advanced-level students (two+ years of consistent, dedicated experience), students in middle and high school, or students who have previously excelled in music classes and/or private lessons.
The Forte Lessons pathway includes:
- Online lessons
- 2 performance opportunities
- Access to workshops or masterclasses
- Access to community events
- Ability to apply for tuition scholarship
Subsidized Lessons and Scholarship
The cost of the MMA program is subsidized by MMC donors. The true cost per student is at least $2,500, and MMC subsidizes this fee thanks to individual donors, grants, and foundations.
Tuition can be paid in full at the time of enrollment or by semester (one payment in fall, one payment in winter; semester-based payment plans are not available to students who enrolled in MMA after November).
Scholarships are available for students in the Forte Lessons pathway, based on financial need. Additional financial information must be provided during the application process.
Instruments
MMC can provide loaned instruments to MAA students who do not have their own instrument, at no additional cost.
Outstanding, highly dedicated, committed students in the Forte Lessons pathway program who do not own their own instrument may be invited to apply for MMC’s Practice-to-Own program, in which MMC can help the student’s family secure an instrument.