At just seven years old, Charlotte Penelope Brandon, a 2025 Tosco Music Scholarship recipient, is already making a powerful impact through music.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Charlotte performed at the City of Charlotte’s National MLK Observance, held at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She graced the stage twice, performing Negro Spirituals on both piano and violin for Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte City Council members, and nearly 500 attendees.

One performance leads to another! When Charlotte performed last summer at a Youth Day event at Simpson-Gillespie United Methodist Church, a visitor who works with the Mayor’s Office was so impressed that she requested her information. By November, the official invitation arrived.

Preparing for the event involved dedicated practice. “I was excited and a little bit nervous,” Charlotte shared. “I practiced a lot—at the end of the day and sometimes first thing in the morning.” Her mom, Tahren Brandon, confirmed Charlotte started morning practice as early as 6:45am!

Charlotte learned eight Negro Spirituals, four on violin and four on piano, and her performance reflected the deep cultural roots of the occasion. Tahren selected the music to match Charlotte's skill level, and drew from hymnals she had access to as a daughter of a United Methodist Church minister.

Where there's music, there's community! One surprise during the performance speaks to music’s power to connect: “People started singing along!” Charlotte enjoyed this because her mom often sang along to help her learn the songs and find their rhythm. Charlotte’s advice to other young musicians is simple and powerful:

“Take every opportunity you can because it helps you become a better musician.” ~Charlotte Brandon, age 7

Hats off to Charlotte's mother, Tahren Brandon, for investing in Charlotte’s passion for music! Aspiring musicians rely on dedicated parents and community support for the opportunities that help them develop their craft. Tahren says, “If her heart wasn’t really in it, I wouldn’t be doing it, but she loves it. God gave her a gift and I hope to really nourish it.”

Charlotte has studied violin since age three and piano for just over a year. She received her Tosco Music Scholarship to attend a summer music camp at Arts+, and her current teachers include Jessie Hart (Carolina Suzuki Strings at Arts+), Sabrina Howard (Charlotte Latin School), and Annette Morris (piano).

Charlotte has also performed at Tosco Music Open Mic, and Tahren expressed her thanks for the welcoming space where young musicians can try new material and grow. "The first time I got nervous wondering if she was going to be the only youth performer. I was surprised to see so many kids come! We’ve been a couple times now and it's great to see how the kids love to get up and try new material."

“Thank you for everything you do! Tosco Music is really a blessing!" ~Tahren Brandon, Charlotte's mother

Stories like Charlotte’s remind us what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity and parent support — and when a community chooses to invest in young artists.

If you’re inspired by Charlotte’s journey, we invite you to support the next generation of musicians and invest in nonprofit programs that grow performance skills, build connections and strengthen community through music!

Join us at Love Notes, Tosco Music’s annual fundraiser, on February 7, 2026 at Booth Playhouse. Your support helps fund Tosco Music’s scholarships, outreach programs, and family-friendly music events that provide performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and live music experiences across Charlotte.