Deep in the heart of the United States, nestled between the mighty Atlantic Ocean and the grand Appalachian Mountains, lies an enchanted land named North Carolina (NC). Oh, it’s not your usual fantasy world with goblins, pixies, and unicorns, but a place brimming with kids who can make magic with musical instruments. The kids here in NC aren’t your ordinary children – no, no! They are the extraordinary Harmonic Heroes! They’ve got a unique superpower, the ability to tame wild instruments with their nimble fingers and breath. You see, here in NC, instruments aren’t just inanimate objects. They're lively, vibrant creatures, each with their own personality, frolicking around, waiting to be understood and played by the Harmonic Heroes. Take little Timmy Tuba, for instance. He’s a bit chubby and can’t help but make deep, belching sounds that echo through the valleys. Then there’s Susie Saxophone, the shiny, slender daredevil who loves nothing more than to belt out high-pitched, melodious tunes that make the birds in the Blue Ridge Mountains dance with joy! However, the real star of the show is Billy Banjo, a cheeky, sprightly lad who can make the banjo laugh, cry, or sing depending on his mood. He can even make the banjo sound like a duck if he wants to, which sends everyone into fits of laughter! Ah yes, the Harmonic Heroes of NC, they make the world come alive with their magical music making. So, if you ever find yourself in this magical haven, listen closely. You might just hear the sweet symphony of their spectacular superpower!
Read morebest playing-instrument programs in Waxhaw, NC


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


Meet Oksana McCarthy, a professional cellist in Charlotte, North Carolina. Oksana has traveled the world, teaching and performing in places such as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Russia and the United States. Her unique experiences in music and culture from four different continents bring a special touch to her teaching. Oksana has been giving private lessons out of her home studio for the past decade. She also teaches at public and private schools in the United States while still playing in symphonies, orchestras and chamber groups. Her dedication and passion for music is evident in her solo performances as well. Oksana McCarthy is an amazing cellist in Charlotte, NC. She has been able to bring her unique knowledge from around the world to her teaching, making her lessons an enriching experience. Whether it's her private lessons in her home studio, teaching in public and private schools in the US, or performing in symphonies, orchestras, chamber groups, or as a soloist, Oksana's passion for music is inspiring.