FAQs

If it’s not clear from reading the online descriptions then email us for the quickest response and we can set up a time to chat if need be.

• If you are a recreational musician that wants to get good and play with other people after work or after school, then our short courses and summer programs will be what you’re looking for. Read up on our Learners Lab , our House of Bands programs (if you’re 12-16 years) or our Performers Lab (if you’re 16 years to mature).

You are welcome to set up a time to see the school / studio, but we have a PARTICIPANT ONLY policy during the classes. As with most schools, classes are for students only. If you have a friend or family member who is taking a lab, you can come and see their final performance at the end of each quarter! You will be amazed by how good they sound!

Usually the answer to this question in ‘no’. Obviously for our Professional Music programs this is not possible. You commit to us, and we commit to you. But if you’re considering one of the other programs, please email us and we will answer on a case by case basis depending on availability and timing.

Not any more. If you are enrolled in one of our programs and want to supplement or do make up lessons for missed sessions, talk to your instructor about their availability for tutorials ($35 / 30 mins) but this is available only to students enrolled in our programs and not on a regular basis.

It is normal for students to miss sessions – stuff happens. But if you think you will miss quite a few, you might want to re-consider your timing. In most of our programs you are a part of a band, so by missing a lot of sessions your whole band is effected. There are no refunds or credits on our programs after the enrollment deadline.

For our Professional Music Programs there are no refunds or credits after the enrollment deadline. You commit to us and we commit to you. Please read your enrollment contract carefully, and ask all your questions / express any concerns before you enroll. But don’t worry you’re going to LOVE it!
With our other programs, for a refund or credit you must notify us 72 hours PRIOR TO THE FIRST session of your program. A $10 processing fee will apply. This allows us time to make arrangements for other students to take your place.
If you drop out AFTER this point, whatever the reason, there will be no refunds OR credits.

Unless you are taking a class as a vocalist (which is sometimes the case) – Yes you do! You need to own or borrow a guitar at least for the length of your lab, since you will not get very far if you can’t practice during the week. You don’t need a fancy guitar, just something that’s comfortable for you and in good working condition.

The Professional Music Certificate program is a guitar based course, however we have drummers and bass students too. Please talk to us more if you are not a Guitar player but you’re interested in this program. We will explain how it can work and you may be accepted on the program should you apply. The Artist Development program is designed for song-writers – you don’t necessarily have to be a guitarist.

Not yet, No. For now, you will receive an MMA & ACM Certificate or IQ Diploma (“Industry Qualification”) for completing and passing the program, but similar to many trade schools – no college credit is awarded. The advantage of this is your lower tuition fees (compared to comparible programs).

There is currently some financing available – please see the Admissions Packet for the break down of payments. However most Financial Aid out there is restricted to programs that are Nationally accredited. Since our programs were developed in the UK, their accreditation doesn’t translate over here in the US system. So we have priced these programs accordingly; they are significantly less expensive than comparible programs that are accredited.

After applying you will be invited to an audition if it seems like you are an ideal candidate. The audition itself is more like a consultation, at which you will have to play a couple of pieces that you can choose, that you feel reflect your strengths and your personal style / preferences. You can play cover songs – and your own arrangements of them, or your own original songs. The audition is informal and a chance for you to ask questions as well as for us to get to know you. We might have specific questions related to your application, your goals, your experience, your unique challenges. You may have the audition consultation with just one or two staff members.

Good question. For some this will mean continuing with us in another program. For some this will mean going to a 4 year college like ACM@UCO in Oklahoma (We recommend). Others will jump in and go full time with their music. Throughout the courses we work with the students to help them to develop a plan of action for their music career (For example, in the Artist Development Program students are required to write a business plan for their music) and help them to find their place in the Industry.

You can back out and get a refund provided it’s before the enrollment deadline, which is August 31st this year.
But it’s important that you apply and audition as soon as possible. If offered a place in the program, don’t wait too long to complete your enrollment with us, by completing your enrollment contract, and paying your tuition (or the deposit). Space is very limited (12 Students on each program for 2011-2012). Your application doesn’t secure a place on the course, only your contract & tuition fees.

If you’re enrolled as a student at MMA you can hire the studio with an engineer for $65 an hour.

Whether you are a student or not, you can also hire Producer Darren Clarke (Founder of MMA) to produce your record or EP. He takes on a few projects each year.

A Sound engineers’ job is to hit record and get a good representation of your songs and your sound. If the songs sound lousy or great when you come in, that’s how they will sound on the record (with maybe a bit of polishing). When considering an engineer look for someone who has lots of experience and not just a qualification. It’s an extremely detail oriented and technical job.
A Producer however takes care of both practical oversight and recording (either himself or working in partnership with an engineer) from budget planning to hiring musicians, as well as creative and strategic input and direction on the project. It’s important you work with a Producer that you gel with – personality wise and also creatively. Your Producer can make a record with input and feedback on your songwriting, arrangements, instrumentation, song order etc. To find a truly talented Producer that really cares about your project and doesn’t want to step on your creative toes is a valuable thing. Producers are usually musicians and should be accomplished, experienced and also have studio engineering expertise. If they also have connections and understanding of the changing music industry, then you’re onto a good thing. Some producers charge a flat rate, others charge by the hour or by the song. Some producers will work with you up front for free in exchange for points on your record (royalties) or a combination of the above. Producers used to be paid by Record Labels but these days everything is different and that’s often not the case, with more and more Production Companies working to attract labels attention or independant success.

No. We recommend CDBaby.com or locally owned and operated Kufala for small runs and eco-friendly packaging! We will provide you with the master CD plus mp3 files.

Yes. For this you need to enroll in one of our Music Business or Songwriting classes or book out some consulting time with Producer Darren Clarke, $75 / hour. Ask us about a package rate to do this for you.

If you are hiring Darren Clarke as your Producer, then part of his role is to find the musicians to perform on your record if you don’t already have a band. He can also sample and program digital instrumentation if that is what the project / song needs.

If you are interested in becoming an Intern at MMA, please email us your resume with a simple letter explaining your motivation, goals and how you think we would benefit from having you around. Please let us know what relevant experience or training you have had. We do not offer paid internships.