In 1988 Regina accepted her first piano student while still in high school. She maintained a large studio throughout college teaching at Oakbrook Preparatory School, Case Brothers and in her private home studio. Regina was named Daniel Music Scholar at Converse College, and while a student also continued her violin study as well, performing with the Converse Chamber Ensemble and the Greater Spartanburg Philharmonic. In 2001 Regina moved to San Jose, CA and accepted the position of piano instructor on faculty at Campbell Music School. Then in 2004 she and her husband, Jeff, moved to Charlotte. Regina never expected her home studio in Charlotte to grow so quickly, but soon she would hire an assistant teacher and grow to 84 piano students. It became evident that southeast Charlotte needed more music teachers, and needed a professional music school…Charlotte Academy of Music. In August of 2008 Regina opened the doors to the Academy, realizing a lifetime dream of providing a school where students of all ages and instruments have opportunities to study with master teachers and participate in many enriching musical classes, ensembles, workshops, summer camps, musical theatre productions, and other events.
Regina’s students are active participants in the Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Examinations. Many have also actively participated as State, National and International Winners at the National Piano Guild Playing Auditions. Regina’s students consistently receive “Superior” ratings at NCMTA, NFMC Piano Festival and the NFMC Piano Scholarship Festival. Several of Mrs. Ziliani’s students have been selected as State Winners in the NCMTA Piano Contest as well as “Best Performers” in the SC NFMC Festival in Spartanburg, SC. They have also gone on to major colleges and universities to pursue music-related careers. Regina Ziliani was blessed to study with wonderful pedagogues and performers such as Dr. Hao Huang, Dr. George Lucktenburg, Lera Borden, Elizabeth Jennings, and Dr. Henry Janiec, former conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Regina holds professional memberships with Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), NC Music Teachers National Association, National Guild of Piano Teachers, Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum and the National Federation of Music Clubs. She has served as Adjudicator for the National Piano Guild Playing Auditions and the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival. For the past six consecutive years, Regina has been honored to received the Top Educator Award from Steinway and Sons.
Regina is married to Jeff, her favorite piano duet partner. They have an 11 year old son who enjoyed being a part of our Music Explorers and Music Adventures classes. He is now in private drum and voice lessons, and loves being a part of the Academy’s SHINE Musical Theatre Program.