The Academic Program offers the highest quality instruction to students of all skill levels ages 4 years old and up. In addition to private lessons, students also have access to various group classes and performance opportunities at no additional cost.

The Academic Program is set up on a semester schedule: fall semester and spring semester.  Each semester consists of 15 private lessons.  Lessons are once a week and are scheduled based on the student and instructor's availability.  All lessons are held at the academy.  A completed schedule of the group classes and performance opportunities can be found on the website calendar. 

Students may receive private instruction in Piano, Violin/Viola, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Voice, Guitar (Classical, Brazilian, Flamenco, Jazz or Improvisation), Harp or Organ.

Theory/Ear Training, Composition, Masterclasses and Performance Classes are included and offered to all students. String Ensembles are offered to all String students and Guitar students are encouraged to join the Guitar Orchestra. All these programs are also available to non-Academy students for a fee.

Music Together® is an early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age eight—and the grownups who love them! First offered in 1987, these music classes help little ones develop their innate musicality—and much, much more.

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Every week in our music classes at Charleston Academy of Music, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them come together to play musically. Little ones love playing along in class, and caregivers love being a part of their children’s growth into confident music-makers. And everyone loves our songs that’ll have you tapping along in no time. Music Together is the perfect family activity in the greater Charleston area!

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At this time, we offer unique Mixed-Age music classes, for children from birth through age 5! There are lots of group activities for kids out there, but Music Together offers a true family music class for the youngest infant to the oldest great-grandparent and everyone in between. Imagine an extended family with a dozen or more kids and a bunch of caring adults, and you'll get the idea!

Explore the exciting world of music through movement!
Eurhythmics is a more than a century-old music education method developed by a Swiss musician Dalcroze who believed that students can develop greater sensitivity to the rhythm and pitch of the music they played through experiencing it by whole body movements. 

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Recognized Benefits include:

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• Better rhythm perception

• More accurate pitch

• Ease in improvisation

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 The classes are taught by Nina Sandberg,  Dalcroze Eurhythmics instructor, who also teaches violin lessons and Suzuki Violin classes. 

At Charleston Academy of Music, all students are offered numerous performance opportunities, letting them show their friends, family, and the public their achievements, as well as learn how to manage the performance environment! 

Performance classes give our students the opportunity to perform in front of a real audience in a supportive and intimate setting. This is highly recommended for anyone who needs to get some performance experience under their belts before playing for the public. Their teachers will be there offering comments and useful tips to improve their performances.

Student and Studio Recitals, held in venues around Charleston, showcase the development and achievements of our students and our faculty. At the end of each semester, the Honors Recital features specially selected students who successfully pass the audition. All students are encouraged to audition for the Honors Recital. In addition, Academy is honored to  have our students perform at the esteemed Piccolo Spoleto Recital every year. 

 

Academy's Summer Music Fest is a program that runs every year and offers the following:

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• Piano (beginners welcome as well as 1+ year experience)

• Strings (Suzuki method and others)

• Guitar

• Early Childhood Music

This ensemble is open to all violin, viola, and cello students. Music reading ability is required to join this ensemble. Ensemble playing will teach the students the importance of teamwork in working towards common goals. Students will also familiarize themselves with orchestral repertoire. They will learn to actively listen to their own and each other in a supportive environment. 

Led by Ulyana Machneva, the guitar ensemble brings guitar enthusiasts of various ages and levels together to explore a variety of music and develop performance skills. Prior experience is necessary. Both children and adult students will be accepted into the ensemble upon the instructor’s approval, following an interview.