Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Music Education in Charlotte Since 1964
Southern Park Music School has been dedicated to music education since 1964, fostering creativity and excellence in students of all ages. Our mission centers on personalized instruction, dynamic ensemble experiences, and immersive performance opportunities. With a faculty of experienced performers and educators, we offer lessons across diverse instruments and styles, emphasizing small class sizes and a supportive community. Our state-of-the-art facility in Charlotte, NC, features eight private studios and a recital hall designed for optimal acoustics.Over six decades, we have nurtured thousands of students, many of whom have achieved recognition in competitions and pursued professional music careers. We remain committed to inclusivity, welcoming learners of all backgrounds. Our legacy combines historical tradition with modern pedagogical innovation, ensuring music remains a lifelong companion for every student.
Services
Piano Lessons
Strings Instruction
Woodwinds Training
Voice Coaching
Ensemble Programs
Recital Participation
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer music instruction since 1964 with a proven legacy of excellence.
- Our recitals in a dedicated hall provide free performance opportunities.
- Studios feature grand pianos and acoustically optimized spaces for learning.
- Faculty members hold advanced degrees and professional performance experience.
- Students achieve success in competitions and develop lifelong musical skills.
Services
Piano Lessons
Private piano instruction for all skill levels using grand pianos in acoustically optimized studios. Our teachers hold advanced music degrees and employ traditional and Suzuki methods. Students gain technical proficiency, performance confidence, and musical interpretation skills through personalized curricula.
Strings Instruction
Comprehensive string instrument training covering violin, viola, and cello. Faculty include symphony orchestra performers and university instructors. Lessons emphasize proper technique, repertoire development, and ensemble playing opportunities in Charlotte's musical community.
Voice Coaching
Vocal training for classical, jazz, and contemporary styles with experienced performers. Instruction includes breath control, vocal range expansion, and repertoire selection. Students participate in recitals and gain stage presence for solo and ensemble performances.
Ensemble Programs
Collaborative music-making experiences through chamber groups and ensemble rehearsals. These programs develop musical communication skills and provide performance opportunities in our recital hall. Participants range from intermediate students to advanced musicians preparing for professional careers.
Recital Participation
Monthly recitals in a professional performance space designed for optimal acoustics. These events showcase student progress and provide valuable stage experience. Performances are free for participants and audiences, fostering community engagement through shared musical achievements.
People
Dr. Michael Lehtinen
School Director
DMA from Eastman School of Music with 30+ years teaching experience. Director since 2006, specializing in piano instruction and curriculum development. Organist at St. Stephens United Methodist Church.
Dr. Amy Harris
Piano Instructor
DMA from University of North Carolina, certified Suzuki teacher with 20+ years experience. Focuses on developing confident performers through comprehensive technical training and musical interpretation.
Tanja Bechtler
Cello Instructor
Manhattan School of Music graduate with university teaching experience. Founder of Bechtler Ensemble, performing regularly with Charlotte-area orchestras while mentoring young cellists.
Mark Catoe
Saxophone & Clarinet Instructor
Winthrop University graduate with professional performance experience including Charlotte Symphony collaborations. Combines jazz expertise with classical instruction for woodwind students.
Dr. Gay Pappin
Administrative Assistant
DMA holder with university teaching background. Oversees operations while maintaining a lifelong career in church music ministry, supporting student-family relationships.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer instruction in piano, strings (violin, viola, cello), woodwinds (flute, oboe), voice, and saxophone/clarinet. Our faculty specializes in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host monthly recitals in our professional recital hall. Performances are free for participants and audiences, providing valuable stage experience for all skill levels.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes performers with advanced music degrees, symphony orchestra members, and university instructors. Many hold certifications from national music organizations.
Do you offer lessons for beginners?
Absolutely. We teach students of all ages and skill levels, from first-time learners to advanced musicians preparing for professional careers.
What facilities do you have?
Our Charlotte campus features eight private lesson studios with grand pianos, a recital hall designed for optimal acoustics, and a music library for student resources.
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