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.
Regina was blessed to grow up living next door to her paternal grandparents. Her grandmother was a self taught pianist who loved playing church hymns. As a toddler, Regina would hop up on her grandmother’s piano bench and “play” nearly every day. She later started piano lessons, then violin, and music became her life.
“When I think back on the most influential people in my life, and those who laid the foundation for me to become a musician and business owner, it was the women who provided the greatest inspiration. My grandmother introduced me to the piano. My mom set an incredibly strong example for me as a working mother and entrepreneur who, gratefully, is still very present in my life. I can’t remember a school function or party when she wasn’t there, usually with cupcakes for the class in tow! I attended an all women’s college, Converse College, where the school’s motto is to “see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.” I was very fortunate to have many female professors and friends at Converse who upheld that fine motto, and motivated me greatly. Today, I am continually inspired by our tremendous faculty and staff at CAM. I am blessed indeed, and have many important women in my life, past and present, who have supported me to achieve my dream of owning a music school. I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished at CAM, and look forward to our future!”
Regina has been awarded the Steinway & Sons Top Music Teacher Award for seven consecutive years. She was also presented with the Career Achievement in Music Award by her alma mater, Converse College. Regina holds professional memberships with the National Federation of Music Clubs, North Carolina Music Teachers Association, Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum, and Music Teachers National Association. She has served as adjudicator for the National Piano Guild and the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Regina is married to Jeff, her favorite piano duet partner, and great supporter. Charlotte Academy of Music may be woman-owned, but Regina is quick to point out that without Jeff’s support of and belief in his wife there would be no CAM! Regina and Jeff have an 11 year old son who studies voice, drums, and is part of the SHINE Musical Theatre program at CAM.