Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in Charlotte Since 1964
Southern Park Music School has been dedicated to music education since 1964, fostering creativity and excellence through personalized instruction. Our mission centers on inspiring students of all ages and abilities with tailored lessons, dynamic ensemble experiences, and immersive performance opportunities. With a faculty of experienced performers and educators, we provide instruction across diverse instruments and musical styles, emphasizing small class sizes and a supportive community.Our state-of-the-art facility, custom-designed for optimal acoustics, includes eight teaching studios and a recital hall. Since our founding in Charlotte, we have maintained a commitment to inclusivity, welcoming students regardless of background while preparing many for professional careers. Our legacy of over 50 years reflects a dedication to nurturing musical growth through festivals, competitions, and community engagement.
Services
Piano Lessons
Strings Lessons
Woodwinds Lessons
Voice Lessons
Ensemble Classes
Recital Preparation
Music Theory
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in music education
- Our faculty includes experienced performers with advanced degrees
- We offer state-of-the-art facilities including a recital hall and eight private studios
- We host free monthly recitals for student performance opportunities
- We welcome students of all backgrounds and skill levels
Services
Piano Lessons
Private piano instruction for all skill levels using grand pianos in acoustically optimized studios. Our instructors hold advanced music degrees and specialize in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Students gain performance experience through monthly recitals and competitions.
Strings Lessons
Comprehensive string instrument education including violin, viola, and cello. Faculty members perform with regional orchestras and bring professional experience to students. Lessons incorporate Suzuki method techniques and traditional approaches for ages 5 to adult.
Voice Lessons
Personalized vocal coaching for classical, opera, and contemporary styles. Instructors include professional performers with degrees from top conservatories. Students develop technique through repertoire selection and performance opportunities in recitals and local productions.
Ensemble Classes
Collaborative music-making experiences for students to develop ensemble skills. Classes include chamber groups and small ensembles with coaching from professional musicians. Participants gain experience in listening, timing, and musical communication through regular performances.
Recital Preparation
Specialized training for students preparing for monthly recitals and competitions. Instructors focus on stage presence, memorization techniques, and performance anxiety management. The program includes masterclasses and dress rehearsals in our professional-grade recital hall.
People
Dr. Michael Lehtinen
School Director
DMA from Eastman School of Music with 28 years teaching experience. Director since 2006, overseeing facility redesign and curriculum development. Active performer as church organist and piano instructor.
Dr. Amy Harris
Piano Instructor
DMA from UNC Greensboro with 18 years teaching experience. Nationally certified instructor using Suzuki method. Specializes in preparing students for competitions and developing performance confidence.
Sharon Stricklin
Piano Instructor
MM from Michigan State University with 40 years teaching experience. Former school music director and church accompanist. Focuses on classical training for beginners through advanced students.
Dr. Gregory Thompson
Piano Instructor
DMA from University of South Carolina with international performance experience. Teaches classical technique to students of all ages while maintaining an active recital schedule.
Janice Williams
Voice Instructor
MM from St. Louis Conservatory with 20+ years teaching experience. Professional opera singer with Opera Carolina and founder of local performance trio. Specializes in vocal technique and performance preparation.
Questions
What instruments can I study at Southern Park Music School?
We offer instruction in piano, strings (violin, viola, cello), woodwinds (flute, oboe), voice, and saxophone. Our faculty also provides music theory and performance coaching.
Do you offer lessons for different skill levels?
Yes, we teach students of all ages and abilities from beginners to advanced musicians preparing for professional careers. Our instructors customize lessons to individual skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
We host monthly recitals during the school year in our professional-grade recital hall. Students also participate in competitions, festivals, and local performance ensembles.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes performers with advanced music degrees, many holding doctorates. Instructors have professional performance experience and specialized training in their teaching areas.
How are lesson schedules structured?
Private lessons are available seven days a week with flexible scheduling. We offer both weekly recurring lessons and customized schedules to accommodate student availability.
Is there a minimum age for lessons?
We accept students starting at age 5 for most instruments. Early childhood music classes are available for younger children through our preparatory program.
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