Tosco Music
For over 30 years, the Tosco Music organization has supported artists while bringing live music to Charlotte. This non-profit is a favorite of locals, particularly for its Tosco Music Parties. What were once intimate living room jam sessions have evolved into community concerts that feature nationally recognized and up-and-coming musicians alike.
Of course, Tosco Music Parties are just one aspect of what this organization offers its community. Tosco has helped foster connections among musicians, provided scholarships and lessons, and brought the joys of live music to Charlotte. All this has been made possible by its founder and executive director, John Tosco. His passion for music and community building is the heart of Tosco Music, allowing the organization to reach people all across Charlotte.
Opportunities for Local Musicians
Tosco Music has been uplifting local musicians for decades. It’s done this by providing paid performance opportunities for 437 local working musicians at its outreach programs and Tosco Music Parties. It has also run outreach programs — like professional development and skill-building workshops — open mics, and a Beatles Cover Song Contest. Supporting youth and emerging local artists is a central feature of Tosco Music and its involvement with the community.
Events and Festivals That Bring People Together
There’s always something happening at Tosco Music. There are, of course, the aforementioned Tosco Music Parties that bring the community together to see nationally recognized acts share the stage with new local talents. Tosco Music has also added an inaugural FabFest-Charlotte’s Beatles Festival and countless other shows and events. Its website is the best way to keep up with all upcoming events.
Welcoming Open Mic Nights Every Month
One of Tosco Music’s most popular events is its open mic nights, which it hosts on the first Wednesday of each month. Hosted by John Tosco, these open mics are unique for their supportive and welcoming vibe. Everyone is invited to come down and play — all you have to do is sign up at the counter when you reach the venue. The event is open to the public, making it a fantastic opportunity for artists trying to get their music out there.
Scholarships for Youth and Emerging Artists
This non-profit organization aims to help others in the community explore, develop, and share its passion for music. One of the ways it does that is by awarding scholarships to youth and emerging artists for music education. Since 2010, Tosco Music has awarded more than two dozen people an impressive $5,070 in music scholarships.
Tosco Music also accepts donations for the Jacob Titus Youth Music Scholarship Fund. This fund has contributed thousands of dollars to music-related expenses for youth who are passionate about music. Established by Tamara Titus & Lane Jacobs, this fund honors their nephew Jacob Everett Titus, an incredibly passionate and talented young musician.
John Tosco
The accomplishments of Tosco Music wouldn’t be possible without founder and executive director John Tosco. John’s passion for music can be traced back to his childhood. He began playing guitar at age 8 and was teaching guitar by 14. He went on to major in music education in college, eventually studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
He moved to Charlotte in 1983, where he taught guitar and received his Orff Music certification. He spent over 20 years teaching in schools across Charlotte while founding his non-profit organization Tosco Music and the Tosco Music Studio in 2002. While the latter is focused mainly on music education, the former aims to enhance Charlotte’s community through Tosco Music Parties, family-friendly concerts, open mics, and so much more.
Through his studio and non-profit, John Tosco has provided a platform and support for Charlotte’s local artists and encouraged the city’s youth to pursue music. His impact has been noted by multiple publications — including Charlotte Magazine, which in 2004 highlighted John in its “Best of the Best” series, calling him its Impresario of the Year. In 2012, the Charlotte Observer named John a “Patron of the Arts” in Charlotte.
Get Involved or Learn More About Tosco Music
If you’d like to learn more about Tosco Music’s upcoming events, you can do so on its website. Volunteer or donate to get involved and support this non-profit organization. If you’d like to get in touch with the Tosco Music team, you can contact them by filling out this online form.