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News

Charlotte Academy of the Arts presents The Little Mermaid JR

Little Mermaid Tickets On Sale

An enchanting under the sea adventure awaits! Experience the story, songs, and characters that have captured hearts for generations, brought to life by our exceptional … More Little Mermaid Tickets On Sale »


Kindermusik Comes to South Charlotte!

Charlotte Academy of Music is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Kindermusik with Missy, bringing Kindermusik classes to the Matthews area beginning this fall! … More Kindermusik Comes to South Charlotte! »


shrek the musical shrek and donkey

Shrek Jr – Fall Mainstage Production

SHINE Musical Theatre is proud to bring Shrek The Musical JR to the Charlotte area this fall! Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and … More Shrek Jr – Fall Mainstage Production »


SHINE Musical Theatre students from Charlotte Academy of Music earn the Excellence in Acting Award at the 2026 Jr Theatre Festival

JTF Interest Meeting

A Musical Theatre Experience Like No Other Whether you’ve been to the Junior Theatre Festival before or hearing about it for the first time, this … More JTF Interest Meeting »


Free Musical Theatre Workshop: SHREK!

Step Into the Swamp — A FREE Musical Theatre Workshop in Charlotte, NC Donkeys, dragons, and divas welcome… this workshop is for everyone! Our SHINE … More Free Musical Theatre Workshop: SHREK! »


Best Music Studio Award Macaroni Kid Family Favorites

Voted Best — Thank You, Charlotte!

Charlotte Academy of Music Named Best Music Studio in the 2026 Macaroni Kid Family Favorites Awards We have some incredibly exciting news to share, and … More Voted Best — Thank You, Charlotte! »


Why Colleges Want Your Kid on Stage

How Music, Theatre, and Dance Education Give Charlotte Students a Real Admissions Edge When parents think about preparing their child for college admissions, the usual … More Why Colleges Want Your Kid on Stage »


SPLASH into Summer at CAM

Matthews, NC area Summer Camps and Musical Theatre Productions   Summer is calling! And this year, we think it should involve singing, dancing, acting, painting, … More SPLASH into Summer at CAM »


Sarah Austin performs her Senior Piano Recital at Charlotte Academy of Music

Kindness Doesn’t Lower the Standard—It Raises It

Many people think competitive environments require tough coaching. We’ve found the opposite is true. In our programs at CAM, we hold students to high standards—but … More Kindness Doesn’t Lower the Standard—It Raises It »


Maddox Lane-Cress, a student at Charlotte Academy of Music in Matthews, was recently accepted to the NC School of the Arts for high school

From Lessons to the Spotlight: Maddox’s Journey to Matthews Got Talent

At Charlotte Academy of Music, we believe music lessons are about so much more than learning notes—they’re about developing a creative voice, artistic expression, and … More From Lessons to the Spotlight: Maddox’s Journey to Matthews Got Talent »


Acting, Dance, Music summer camps in Charlotte for Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre Summer Camps in Charlotte: Sing, Act, and Dance This Summer

Summer is the perfect season for kids to step into the spotlight and experience the magic of musical theatre. At Charlotte Academy of Music, home … More Musical Theatre Summer Camps in Charlotte: Sing, Act, and Dance This Summer »


teen students in acting class problem solving with a script

Growing Problem Solvers through the Arts

Cultivating Creative Thinkers Parents often ask: Do music lessons, dance classes, and musical theatre productions really help children develop life skills? The answer is yes — especially … More Growing Problem Solvers through the Arts »


Students rehearsing at Charlotte Academy of Music as part of a confidence-building performing arts program

Confidence Without Perfectionism: Enter the Performing Arts

From Matthews, NC all the way to San Jose, CA and ever town in between you’ll find many kids (and parents) that quietly have the … More Confidence Without Perfectionism: Enter the Performing Arts »


A Full-Circle Summer

From Student to Teacher This summer marks a special milestone at Charlotte Academy of Music. For the first time, two of our summer camps will … More A Full-Circle Summer »


Charlotte Academy of Music goes to NAMM in Anaheim, CA

From Anaheim to Matthews: Bringing Global Innovation from NAMM to our Stage

By: Salvatore Pecorella   Walking through the Anaheim Convention Center last week, the energy was unmistakable. As a musician and educator, there is no place … More From Anaheim to Matthews: Bringing Global Innovation from NAMM to our Stage »


Summer is Better Together

The most meaningful takeaways from our camps and productions at Charlotte Academy of Music aren’t just the songs learned, scenes rehearsed, or artwork created—it’s the … More Summer is Better Together »


SHINE Musical Theatre students from Charlotte Academy of Music earn the Excellence in Acting Award at the 2026 Jr Theatre Festival

SHINE Wins at JTF!

A Weekend to Remember Our SHINE Musical Theatre performance troupe had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia January 15-17 to participate in the … More SHINE Wins at JTF! »


The First Teacher Sets the Stage

When a child begins music lessons, it feels a little like raising the curtain on their very first performance. That opening act—their very first music … More The First Teacher Sets the Stage »


Stronger Together: Singing in an Ensemble Empowers Kids and Teens

Music has a way of bringing people together, and singing in a group—whether in a choir, musical theatre ensemble, or classroom setting—offers kids and teens … More Stronger Together: Singing in an Ensemble Empowers Kids and Teens »


building confidence through the arts theatre and music

The Best After-School Investment You’ll Make This Year

As parents, we’re always looking for the best opportunities to help our children grow—activities that build character, strengthen confidence, and prepare them for the future. … More The Best After-School Investment You’ll Make This Year »


Performing with Confidence

A music recital can be an exciting milestone for young musicians — and a little nerve-wracking too! Whether it’s their first time on stage or … More Performing with Confidence »


girl playing a guitar lesson

Choosing the Right Musical Instrument

Selecting a musical instrument for your child can feel a little like matchmaking — you’re trying to pair them with something that sparks joy, challenges … More Choosing the Right Musical Instrument »


Creative Arts Camps at Charlotte Academy of Music in Matthews, NC

Unplug and Create This Summer

Summer Is the Perfect Time to Power Down the Screens and Power Up Creativity! As summer creeps closer and school winds down, many parents find … More Unplug and Create This Summer »


Choosing a Summer Theatre Camp

Break a Leg! A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Summer Theatre Camp Summer is the perfect time for children and teens to explore their passions, … More Choosing a Summer Theatre Camp »


Kania Mills clarinet, saxophone, and flute teacher at Charlotte Academy of Music in Matthews

Welcome Kania to the CAM Faculty!

Kania Mills is a classically trained clarinetist/saxophonist from Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to those instruments, she also teaches flute and beginning piano. We are … More Welcome Kania to the CAM Faculty! »


boy playing in piano recital charlotte academy of music

A Harmonious Impact: Why Performing Matters

A key aspect of music education that often gets overlooked: the importance of performing. While practicing and learning an instrument are crucial, the act of … More A Harmonious Impact: Why Performing Matters »


Noteworthy: Why Music Matters for Little Ones

Ever wondered why kids seem to pick up music so easily? It’s because their brains are wired for it (and they simply love it!) Starting … More Noteworthy: Why Music Matters for Little Ones »


Unplug and Play: The Screen-Free Magic of the Performing Arts

In an age dominated by screens, performing arts classes offer a refreshing oasis of unplugged engagement. Arts education presents unique opportunities for students of all … More Unplug and Play: The Screen-Free Magic of the Performing Arts »


Voice Lessons: Your Ticket to a Stellar Musical Theatre Audition

A trained voice is undeniably important for a successful musical theatre audition. Understandably, directors are hesitant to cast those with pitch issues, limited vocal range, … More Voice Lessons: Your Ticket to a Stellar Musical Theatre Audition »


piano teachers and students charlotte academy of music

Private Studio or Music Studio? Which is better?

If you’re considering signing yourself or your child up for music lessons, chances are you’ve contemplated what would be the best type of studio for … More Private Studio or Music Studio? Which is better? »


kids musical theatre classes charlotte

Why Do Kids Need Theatre?

Have you ever asked your child what they would like to be when they grow up? At some point or another many kids will excitedly … More Why Do Kids Need Theatre? »


compassion and empathy through arts

Cultivating Empathy through Music, Art, and Theatre

Empathy is the ability to understand and share in the feelings of others. So often we are absorbed in our own experience that it can … More Cultivating Empathy through Music, Art, and Theatre »


Parent helps child succeed in piano lessons

10 Tips for Success in Music Lessons

Have a child or teen in music lessons? Maybe you are thinking about getting them started? While lessons are a fantastic creative opportunity and an … More 10 Tips for Success in Music Lessons »


Mint Hill baseball team

Baseball, Music, and Life Lessons

People respect those who keep fighting to stay in the game, regardless of whether they win or not. Musicians can identify.. as we know, performances … More Baseball, Music, and Life Lessons »


CAM Voted Best Music Studio

The votes are in! Several thousand local parents voted in the 2021 Gold Daisy Awards and Charlotte Academy of Music (CAM) was named Best Music … More CAM Voted Best Music Studio »


Meet Our Founder and Owner

Today is International Women’s Day and we are proud to be a woman-owned business! We invite you to meet Regina Ziliani, our founder and owner. … More Meet Our Founder and Owner »


Unplug and Reconnect!

Google “statistics of kids and screen time” and you will discover mind-blowing results. 1 out of 5 kids do not play outside.. at all.. on … More Unplug and Reconnect! »


nfmc federation festival charlotte

NFMC Festival Sign-up

Each year many Charlotte Academy of Music students participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival. Charlotte Academy of Music has its own … More NFMC Festival Sign-up »


CAM Recognized as Safe Music School

In recognition of our efforts to help prevent COVID-19 transmission in our studio, Charlotte Academy of Music  (CAM) has been recognized as a Safe Music … More CAM Recognized as Safe Music School »


CAM Online Resources

Great News, CAM Students! We have a new resource specifically for you. CAM Online! This complimentary addition to your lesson experience includes a multitude of … More CAM Online Resources »


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CAM is such an amazing place. I have taken voice lessons, piano lessons, and been in four of their musical theater productions. The Academy has taught me how to have confidence, have stage presence, and helped me improve my musical skills. During the years I’ve been there, I have made many friends and met some great teachers. There is a real sense of community when we are all working together to make the world a better place through music. I love being able to surround myself with people who have the same interests and passions as me.

~ Morgan

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Charlotte Academy of Music
15040 Idlewild Rd., Suite C
Matthews, NC 28104 [Map]
(704) 545-7400

We’re centrally located in the Idlewild Market shopping center near the intersection of I-485 and Idlewild Road between Matthews and Mint Hill.

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