Charlotte New Music provides space for creation, performance, access, and education in contemporary and original music. The organization’s offerings include concerts, festivals, innovative music experiences, cross-disciplinary collaborations, educational events, professional development for artists.
Charlotte New Music is offering Craft Music, a FREE community workshop and showcase series. Registration is required. The workshops take place at Mallard Creek Recreation Center, 2530 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Follow each link below to see the details and to register. Space is limited for all of the workshops. The workshops are designed for teens and adults.
The “Craft Music” series is sponsored by Culture Blocks – a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
Music Production & Beatmaking Workshop
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Workshop: 12 to 3 p.m.
Showcase: 4 to 5 p.m.
Free
Register
Experience a hands-on beatmaking & music production workshop – perfect for beginners, aspiring artists, and music lovers alike.
Explore hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and electronic styles while creating your own beats and learning how tracks are made from scratch. Hosted in partnership with GrindHaus Studios, this workshop brings Charlotte’s music scene to life through exploration, collaboration, and creativity.
DJ Workshop
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Workshop: 12 to 3 p.m.
Music and Dance Party: 4 to 5 p.m.
Free
Explore the roots, rhythms, and real techniques of DJing in this high-energy, hands-on workshop with Backspinz – Charlotte’s leaders in youth DJ education.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a music lover curious about what it takes to mix a set, this free DJ Workshop is for you. Led by the team at Backspinz, Charlotte’s premier DJ and turntablism education program, this interactive workshop dives deep into the foundations of DJ culture and technique.
You’ll explore:
The history and evolution of DJing.
Beatmatching, mixing, scratching, and cueing.
Creative set building and music curation.
Hands-on practice with real DJ equipment.
Participants will even have the chance to create their own mini mix and work alongside Charlotte’s top DJs. Whether you dream of rocking parties, producing beats, or just want to have fun learning something new – come through and find your flow on the decks.
Music Composition Workshop
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Workshop: 1 to 3 p.m.
Showcase: 4 to 5 p.m.
Free
Have you ever wanted to create your own piece of music but didn’t know where to begin? This workshop is your chance to learn how music is crafted from the inside out – and to try it yourself.
This hands-on composition workshop explores how melodies, harmonies, and musical ideas come to life. You’ll experiment with musical building blocks across genres, from classical to contemporary styles, and even write your own short piece in a creative, welcoming space.
Led by Elizabeth Kowalski (Neon Rose) – composer, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Charlotte New Music, Your Neighborhood Orchestra, and Neon Rose Productions.
Whether you’re a total beginner or an aspiring composer, you’ll leave with fresh tools, ideas, and inspiration to continue exploring your own musical voice.
No instrument or prior experience required – just bring your ears and imagination.
Songwriting Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Workshop: 1 to 3 p.m.
Showcase: 4 to 5 p.m.
Free
Learn to turn your thoughts into lyrics, and your feelings into melodies – then hear or perform them live!
Whether you’re journaling lyrics, humming melodies, or dreaming of performing your own songs, this workshop is for you. Join two of Charlotte’s most dynamic singer-songwriters – Von Hunter and Shana Blake – for a creative afternoon that blends heart, craft, and soul.
You’ll learn how songs are built from the ground up – lyrics, structure, melody, and meaning – while getting personal insight into each artist’s songwriting process. Then, with guidance and encouragement, you’ll create something of your own.
Shana’s playful and soulful approach + Von’s rich storytelling style create a workshop that’s both empowering and expressive. Whether you’re shy or seasoned, you’ll leave with a new song and new confidence.
Performance opportunity at the 4:00pm showcase – if you want to share your work!
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Mallard Creek Recreation Center
2530 Johnston-Oehler Road
Charlotte, NC
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