Business Details
18 Years
experience
Charlotte Academy of Music: Nurturing Musical Excellence in Charlotte
Founded in 2008 by Executive Director Regina Ziliani, Charlotte Academy of Music (CAM) has established itself as a premier destination for music education and artistic development in the Charlotte region. Our mission centers on inspiring students through the transformative power of the arts, fostering environments where confidence, creativity, and community thrive. With over 20 dedicated faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities featuring 12 soundproof studios and a professional performance space, we offer comprehensive programs tailored to all skill levels. From private lessons in piano, voice, and strings to immersive group classes and the acclaimed SHINE Musical Theatre program, our curriculum emphasizes both technical mastery and personal growth. As a Founding School for the Royal Conservatory's Music Development Program, we provide students with opportunities to participate in rigorous examinations and performance events. Our faculty combines decades of professional experience with a commitment to nurturing individual potential, ensuring each student receives personalized instruction aligned with proven pedagogical methods. Beyond technical training, CAM cultivates essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and self-expression through diverse performance opportunities and collaborative projects. The academy's values of excellence, community, and artistic integrity have earned recognition from families and cultural organizations throughout North Carolina. With annual productions, summer camps, and specialized workshops, we create pathways for students to develop both musical proficiency and lifelong appreciation for the arts. This holistic approach has made CAM a trusted institution where generations of musicians have launched successful careers in performance, education, and composition.
Services
Piano Lessons
Voice Training
Guitar Instruction
Violin Classes
Musical Theatre
Summer Music Camps
Online Lessons
RCM Preparation
Ensemble Programs
Audition Coaching
Served areas
- Charlotte, Matthews, Harrisburg, Monroe, Ballantyne, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Pineville, NC
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of proven music education expertise with specialized faculty
- Our faculty includes Royal Conservatory-certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide 30+ performance opportunities annually across multiple disciplines
- Our SHINE Musical Theatre program combines technical training with character development
- We maintain 12 soundproof studios and a dedicated performance space for optimal learning
Associations and certifications
- MTNA
- NATS
- NCMTA
- CPTF
- NFMC
What people say
Thriving students
Top notch camps
Nurturing environment
Stellar leadership
Confidence development
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program develops technical proficiency and musical interpretation through Royal Conservatory-certified methodologies. Students progress from foundational techniques to advanced repertoire while participating in recitals and examinations. Faculty members maintain active performance careers, bringing real-world expertise to each lesson.
Musical Theatre
The SHINE Musical Theatre program trains students in acting, singing, and dance through full-scale productions. Participants gain stage experience in annual shows while developing confidence and collaborative skills under professional directors. The curriculum includes audition preparation and character development workshops.
Voice Training
Voice instruction focuses on proper technique, breath control, and performance skills for various genres. Students receive personalized coaching in solo and ensemble settings, with opportunities to perform in recitals and competitions. The program prepares singers for school auditions and professional careers.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps combine music instruction with creative exploration through themed sessions like Camp Bluey and Safari Creative Arts Camp. Daily activities include instrument lessons, group performances, and theatrical workshops led by experienced teaching artists in a supportive environment.
RCM Preparation
As a Royal Conservatory Founding School, we prepare students for graded music examinations through structured curriculum and performance assessments. Our instructors specialize in repertoire selection, technical requirements, and musicianship training to help students achieve certification at their desired level.
Questions
What age groups do your music programs accommodate?
We offer programs for all ages starting from 1.5-year-old Music Explorers classes through adult lessons and senior citizen workshops.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we provide 30+ annual performance events including recitals, Royal Conservatory exams, and 8-10 musical theatre productions featuring students of all ages.
Are virtual music lessons available?
We offer online lessons through our Virtual Academy for students preferring remote instruction while maintaining the same quality curriculum.
What musical theatre training options exist?
Our SHINE program includes age-specific classes (5-13 years), summer camps, and mainstage productions with professional direction and technical support.
How do your instructors support student development?
Faculty create personalized learning plans combining technical training with creative expression, supported by regular progress assessments and performance feedback.
What distinguishes CAM from other music schools?
Our combination of Royal Conservatory certification, professional performance opportunities, and community-focused teaching creates a unique environment for holistic musical growth.
Videos
Reviews (12)
Larry Griffin
May 13, 2021
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Cam is the best! If you want to learn piano or really anything else this is the place. Teachers are knowledgeable and help you learn to play what you are interested in, I highly recommend Cam to anyone of any age.
Sherrie Dadulla
Jun 10, 2020
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CAM is an amazing school! Great teachers, lovely staff and a school full of exciting activities! My son started piano at age 5 and now 4 years later he can play well and use his talent in church. Thank you so much CAM!
K.
Jun 21, 2017
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Charlotte Academy of Music is a great place to learn to play any type of musicial instrument. I have taken piano lessons for several years and I can see the difference in my skills from the time I started. As an adult student I enjoy that the lessons are tailored to that of an adult learner. There is never a shortage of performance opportunities and workshops to enhance your creativity and your playing skills. I encourage anyone that is looking for a great environment to learn music to give Charlotte Academy of Music a try!
Tomeka Leaphart
Apr 02, 2017
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One of the most amazing places to learn about music. The staff is full of experts and we all love assisting students with their development as musicians. Being a part of this organization is a such a privilege!
Leanne Burnett
Mar 18, 2017
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We are long-time clients of the Charlotte Academy of Music--what an amazing place! The founder, Regina Ziliani, has created such a positive institution! We had the pleasure of watching Regina open the Academy when the demand grew too great to accommodate students in her home, and have had a front-row seats to see it grow and develop into the joyful, rich learning environment that it is. Three of our daughters have been/are currently students of the Academy, and they love the positive learning environment, the joy and dedication of the staff, the multitudinous opportunities for performance, and the gentle encouragement to reach and stretch to new levels.
The girls look so forward to their lessons, and continue to accomplish more and more musically each week. The staff are all lovers of music, and it is contagious! I can't say enough great things about Charlotte Academy of Music! I feel very blessed to have found Regina 12 years ago, and expect the Academy to be a part of our lives for many many more years!
The girls look so forward to their lessons, and continue to accomplish more and more musically each week. The staff are all lovers of music, and it is contagious! I can't say enough great things about Charlotte Academy of Music! I feel very blessed to have found Regina 12 years ago, and expect the Academy to be a part of our lives for many many more years!
J. Garner
Feb 27, 2017
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When my daughter began piano lessons, the owner, Regina took time to help with finding just the right piano to meet her needs. I appreciate the fact CAM is locally owned. Small businesses are the heart of our community. If you are looking for a great music school with a personal touch, this is the place to go.
Tracy Chen
Feb 04, 2017
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I love CAM because it's instilled a lifelong joy of playing piano in me through the plethora of performance opportunities that have shaped me as a musician, and through my wonderful teacher who is full of encouragement every step of the way!
Jodi Stokes
Jan 31, 2017
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We just absolutely LOVE Charlotte Academy of Music. It is not just a place to take lessons, but a community of teachers who truly care about each student and students that inspire each other. It is a family, not a business! I couldn't imagine my son going anywhere else. He has been taking lessons there for several years and has enjoyed lessons, workshops, performance opportunities, encourgement to see other musicians in all sorts of venues, CAM truly is beyond a music school!
Emily Jackson
My daughter Olivia has been taking classes through CAM Club. She has always loved music and theatre and these classes have been wonderful. Today she performed for her theatre class and it was amazing!! She has become so happy and full of "drama". We look forward to doing it again.
Jeff Ziliani
Charlotte Academy of Music is more than just a place to take music lessons. It is a community of students, musicians and families who value and foster the educational and developmental benefits of music and the arts.
Catherine Long Howard
My sons (10 and 12) started piano and guitar lessons at CAM two years ago and they are both thriving. They love their teachers and the music education they are receiving, as well as opportunities to compete and perform. Summer camps are top notch too, both have attended multiple camps over the last 2 summers. Can't say enough positive things about CAM and what it has meant to my family!
Erin McGuire
My daughter is currently in Violin Camp and she wakes up early every morning because she is so excited. We wanted to try this camp to make sure that this was something our daughter would stick with. She has learned so much this week. After 4 straight days of camp she is still asking for Lessons and is keeping her dream of being like Lindsay Sterling one day. The entire staff is friendly and organized. This program has been a great start to my daughter's musical future. Next step lessons...... Thank you CAM