🎭🎶 Music, Theater & Performing Arts Guide for Local Families

Private music lessons, theater, acting, voice, instruments, camps, auditions and more.

Does your child sing constantly, want to learn piano or guitar, dream about being on stage, or love the idea of helping behind the scenes?

Families in the Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro and Mercersburg areas have more performing-arts opportunities than you might realize — including private lessons, early-childhood music, youth theater, musical theater, camps, community productions, open mics and technical-theater experiences.

And if you're brand-new to this world, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Should we start with private lessons or a group class? Does auditioning mean my child could be cut? How much practice is expected? What is tech week? Are there costs beyond tuition?

This guide is designed to help local families find opportunities — and know what questions to ask before signing up.

💡 Please note: Instructors, lesson availability, tuition, productions, auditions and schedules change. Always confirm current information directly with the organization or instructor.

🔎 Find What Your Family Needs

• 🌱 New to performing arts? Start here
• 🎹 Private music lessons
• 🎤 Voice
• 🎸 Guitar & contemporary instruments
• 🎻 Strings
• 🎺 Band & orchestra instruments
• 🥁 Percussion
• 👶 Early-childhood music
• 🎶 Group music & ensembles
• 🎭 Theater & acting
• 🎤 Musical theater
• 🎬 Youth productions
• 🎟️ Auditions
• 🎨 Backstage & technical theater
• 🎙️ Performance & open-mic opportunities
• 🏕️ Camps & workshops
• 💵 What will it really cost?
• ⏰ Understanding the time commitment
• ✅ Questions to ask
• 💰 Financial assistance
• 📝 Add or update a program or instructor

🌱 New Here? Start Here

Your child doesn't have to know exactly what they want to do before beginning.

A short class, camp, first production or beginner lesson can be a great way to explore without making a large commitment.

🎶 If your child wants to learn an instrument...

Consider:

• A beginner group class
• Private lessons
• Instrument rental before buying
• School band or orchestra
• A youth ensemble
• A music camp

🎭 If your child wants to act...

Look for:

• Drama classes
• Theater camps
• Youth productions
• Community-theater auditions
• Musical theater
• School productions

🎤 If your child loves to sing...

Consider:

• Private voice lessons
• Choir or ensemble singing
• Musical theater
• Voice-and-drama programs
• Community productions

💡 Macaroni KID Tip: You do not necessarily have to commit to weekly private lessons immediately. Group classes, camps and workshops can help answer the most important question first: Does my child enjoy this?

🎹 Private Music Lessons

🎶 Cumberland Valley School of Music

📞 717-261-1220
🌐 Website: cvsmusic.org
📍 Local teaching locations include: Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg and Waynesboro

CVSM is one of the broadest resources for private music instruction in our area.

• 👧👦 Ages: Children through adults
• 🌱 Levels: Beginner through advanced
• 👩‍🏫 Faculty: More than 50 professional instructors
• 🎼 Styles: A wide variety, from classical to contemporary and traditional styles
• 💰 Financial assistance: Available for qualifying students
• 🎻 Instrument rental: Available
• 🎭 Performance opportunities: Recitals, ensembles, classes and other events

Private instruction currently includes:

🎹 Keyboard

• Piano
• Suzuki piano
• Organ

🎤 Voice

🎸 Folk & contemporary instruments

• Guitar
• Banjo
• Mandolin
• Ukulele
• Accordion
• Hammered dulcimer

🎻 Strings

• Violin
• Suzuki violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

🎺 Brass

• Trumpet
• Trombone
• French horn
• Baritone
• Euphonium
• Tuba

🎷 Woodwinds

• Flute
• Piccolo
• Clarinet
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Saxophone

🥁 Percussion

• Drum set
• Marimba
• Timpani
• Xylophone
• Rudiments

CVSM notes that families can also ask about instruments that aren't listed because it may be able to connect students with an instructor. 

💡 Good to know

CVSM matches students with an instructor based on the learner's goals and needs rather than simply assigning the next available teacher. 

🎹 DC Piano Studio

📍 Chambersburg area
📞 207-415-3891
📧 dorothy@dcpianostudio.com

• 🎹 Focus: Private piano instruction
• 🎼 Also offered: Music theory and music history
• 💻 Online lessons: Available
• 🌱 Beginner-friendly: Ask about current openings and age recommendations
• 💡 Good to know: This is an independent-teacher option for families who prefer a smaller private-studio setting.

Ask about:

• Current lesson rates
• Lesson length
• In-person vs. online availability
• Recitals
• Books/materials
• Cancellation and makeup policies

🎶 Queen City Music Studios / Local Instructors

Queen City Music Studios maintains a large teaching roster, including at least one instructor who teaches voice from a home studio in Waynesboro.

Its instructors currently offer private lessons in areas including:

• 🎤 Voice
• 🎹 Piano
• 🎸 Guitar
• 🎻 Fiddle/violin
• 🪕 Banjo
• 🎶 Ukulele
• 🥁 Percussion
• 🎺 Trumpet
• 🎷 Saxophone
• 🎸 Bass
• 🎧 Recording/producing
• ✍️ Songwriting
• 🎼 Music theory

A particularly useful detail for families is that Queen City publicly posts its lesson rates: weekly private lessons are currently $50 for 30 minutes, $60 for 45 minutes and $70 for 60 minutes, with slightly higher rates for biweekly lessons. 

💡 Good to know: Because not every instructor teaches from the same location, ask specifically whether the teacher you are interested in offers lessons within the Chambersburg-area Macaroni KID region.

🎤 Voice Lessons

Private voice lessons can help students work on:

• Healthy vocal technique
• Breath support
• Pitch
• Range
• Musical-theater singing
• Audition preparation
• Solo performance
• Confidence

CVSM offers private voice instruction locally, and Queen City Music Studios also lists multiple voice teachers, including an instructor teaching from a Waynesboro home studio. 

Before enrolling, ask:

• What ages do you typically teach?
• Do you work with children's changing voices?
• What musical styles do you teach?
• Can you help prepare for auditions?
• Are recitals offered?
• Is accompaniment included or separate?

🎸 Not Ready for Private Lessons?

That's okay.

A group class can be a lower-cost way to see whether an instrument is a good fit.

CVSM's Fall 2026 programs include Piano Discovery for ages 8–11, specifically designed as an introduction before committing to private lessons. The current five-session course is $75. 

Its beginner guitar classes have also included instruction in:

• Tuning
• Melodies
• Chords
• Rhythm
• Strumming
• Ensemble playing

Recent beginner guitar sessions were $50 including the book, and rental guitars could be available through the CVSM store. 

💡 Parent Tip: A beginner group class can be a smart first step before investing in an instrument and ongoing private instruction.

🎻 Rent or Buy an Instrument?

Before buying, ask:

• Can we rent first?
• Does the school provide an instrument?
• What size does my child need?
• Is a student model appropriate?
• Can the teacher help us select one?
• What accessories are required?
• How often will reeds, strings or other supplies need replacing?

CVSM operates an instrument-rental program, which can be particularly useful for growing children or families who aren't ready to purchase. 

👶 Early-Childhood Music

Young children don't need to wait until school age to explore music.

🎶 CVSM Early-Childhood Programs

Recent and current programs include:

🎵 Musikgarten

Parent-and-child music experiences involving:

• Singing
• Movement
• Dancing
• Rhythm
• Instrument exploration
• Listening

Fall 2026 Musikgarten options are available in both Chambersburg and Greencastle, including a newborn-to-age-3 class. Current subsidized pricing is $70 with materials included. 

🎶 Wiggles & Giggles

Designed for newborns through age 3 with a caregiver.

Activities include:

• Singing
• Bouncing
• Rocking
• Dancing
• Movement
• Instrument exploration

CVSM also offers preschool-age music programs as children get older. 

🎶 Group Music & Ensembles

Private lessons aren't the only way to develop musical skills.

Local opportunities may include:

• 🎻 String ensembles
• 🎸 Beginner guitar
• 🎹 Group piano
• 🎤 Chorus
• 🎷 Jazz
• 🎼 Chamber music
• 🎧 Music production
• 🎺 Band
• 🎭 Musical theater

CVSM's seasonal programming includes age-specific classes and ensembles. For example, its Spring 2026 Chamber Music Class was designed for musicians age 12+ with several years of experience, while its Fall schedule includes audition-preparation masterclasses for high-school chorus, band and orchestra students. 

🎺 Salvation Army Chambersburg Youth Band & Arts

📞 717-899-1900
📧 Hart.Weaver@USE.SalvationArmy.org
🌐 Website: Salvation Army Chambersburg

The Salvation Army Chambersburg Corps offers community-based youth music opportunities.

🎺 Youth Band

• 🎶 Students can learn and play an instrument
• 📅 Current schedule: Mondays at 4:15 p.m.

🎭 Music & Arts Nights

Current programming includes:

• 🎤 Voice
• 🎭 Acting
• 💃 Dance
• 🍽️ Meal provided
• 🚐 Transportation may be available

Music & Arts Nights currently meet Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m. 

💡 Good to know: This is a faith-based Salvation Army program, so families should consider whether that environment is a good match for them.

🎭 Theater & Acting

🎭 Greencastle Amateur Players

📍 Greencastle
📞 717-552-7609 — Ginger Moore

Greencastle Amateur Players provides local children and teens with an accessible introduction to community theater.

Recent youth productions have included:

• 👧👦 Ages: Approximately 5–18
• 🌱 Prior experience: Not required
• 🎟️ Auditions: Open
• ✅ Recent casting approach: Everyone who auditioned was cast
• 🎭 Performances: Jerome King Playground Bandshell

For the 2026 Alice in Wonderland production, children did not need prior experience or prepared audition material. That makes this especially approachable for a first-time performer.

💡 Good to know: “Audition” does not always mean “some children will be cut.” Ask the organization how casting works.

🎭 Waynesboro Children's Theatre Troupe

📍 Rehearsals: 117 S. Church Street, Waynesboro
🎭 Performances: Waynesboro Area Senior High School
🌐 Website: wctt.org

WCTT is designed specifically around youth theater.

• 👧👦 Ages: 6–18
• 🎭 Format: One major youth production each year
• 🎟️ Auditions: Typically held in late summer
• ✅ Casting: The troupe has traditionally cast every child who auditions
• 📆 Rehearsals: Begin shortly after auditions
• 🎭 Performances: Typically in early December
• 🙋 Parent involvement: Families assist with production needs and fundraising

For 2026, auditions were divided into ages 6–10 and 11–18, with rehearsals held at the Church of the Brethren. 

Ask before auditioning:

• What should my child prepare?
• Is everyone cast?
• Is there a participation fee?
• What is the rehearsal schedule?
• Are parents required to volunteer or fundraise?
• Are costumes supplied?

🎭 Chambersburg Community Theatre

📍 159 S. Main Street #3, Chambersburg, PA 17201
📞 717-263-3900
🌐 Website: cctonline.org

CCT offers far more than just performances for audiences.

Families can explore:

• 🎟️ Community auditions
• 🎭 Acting
• 🏕️ STAGE Camp
• 🎬 Workshops
• 🔨 Set building
• 🎨 Painting
• 👗 Costumes
• 💡 Lighting
• 🎧 Sound
• 🎬 Stage management
• 🎟️ Front-of-house roles

CCT specifically welcomes people interested in both performing and working behind the scenes, and its STAGE Camp teaches the theater-production process from audition through final performance. 

🌲 Totem Pole Playhouse

📍 9555 Golf Course Road, Fayetteville, PA 17222
📞 717-352-2164
🌐 Website: totempoleplayhouse.org

Totem Pole provides one of the area's strongest professional-theater education pathways.

Recent and current opportunities include:

• 🎭 Acting classes
• 🎤 Audition-song workshops
• 💄 Stage-makeup instruction
• 🎬 Character development
• 🏕️ Creative Dramatics Camp
• 🎶 Musical-theater camps
• 🎭 Youth casting in professional productions

Its 2026 teen Musical Theatre Camps serve ages 11–18 and culminate in fully staged musicals. The program also includes acting technique, backstage crafts, stage combat and ensemble training. 

Its Spring 2026 education lineup also included programs for ages 10–14 and 14–18 in audition preparation, stage makeup and character development. 

💡 Good to know: Totem Pole can be a useful next step for a young performer looking for a more concentrated or professional-theater experience.

🎤 Musical Theater

Musical theater combines:

• 🎭 Acting
• 🎤 Singing
• 💃 Movement
• 🎶 Ensemble work

Children interested in musical theater may benefit from more than one kind of training.

Consider:

• Private voice lessons
• Acting workshops
• Dance or movement
• Community productions
• Musical-theater camps

CVSM has also expanded its theater programming. Its Fall 2026 schedule includes acting opportunities for children, while its broader programming combines music, voice and theater instruction. 

🎨 You Don't Have to Be On Stage

A child can love theater without wanting to perform in front of an audience.

Theater also needs people interested in:

• 🔨 Set building
• 🎨 Scenic painting
• 👗 Costumes
• 🎭 Props
• 💄 Makeup
• 💡 Lighting
• 🎧 Sound
• 🎬 Stage management
• 🎟️ Front-of-house
• 🎶 Pit orchestra

Chambersburg Community Theatre specifically welcomes volunteers in many of these production areas. 

For a creative or technical kid who says, “I don't want to act,” theater may still be a great fit.

🎙️ Performance & Open-Mic Opportunities

🎶 Music Makers — Waynesboro

📍 46 W. Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
📞 717-655-2500
🌐 Website: artsalliancegw.org

Music Makers is a collaboration between the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro and CVSM.

The space hosts:

• 🎶 Live performances
• 🎸 Jam sessions
• 🎤 Open mic nights
• 📝 Workshops
• 🎼 Classes
• 🎙️ Community music events

Open Mic Night is free and open to performers of different ability levels, including musicians and spoken-word performers. 

💡 Good to know: This may be particularly appealing to older kids and teens who want performance experience without auditioning for a formal production.

🏕️ Camps & Workshops

Short-term programs can be one of the best ways to try performing arts.

Look for:

• Theater camps
• Acting workshops
• Musical-theater intensives
• Voice camps
• Piano discovery
• Beginner guitar
• Music production
• Audition preparation
• Stagecraft

CVSM and Totem Pole both offer seasonal short-term options, so it's worth checking their schedules before summer and school breaks. 

💵 What Will It Really Cost?

🎹 Private music lessons

Ask about:

• 💵 Lesson tuition
• 📝 Registration
• 📚 Books and sheet music
• 🎻 Instrument rental or purchase
• 🎺 Reeds, strings and accessories
• 🎭 Recital fees
• 🎹 Accompanist fees
• ❌ Cancellation fees

🎭 Theater

Ask about:

• 📝 Participation fee
• 👗 Costumes
• 👟 Shoes
• 💄 Makeup
• 🎟️ Tickets
• 📸 Photos
• 💰 Fundraising
• 🍕 Meals during long rehearsals
• 🚗 Transportation
• 🏕️ Camp tuition

Ask this:

“What should we expect to pay from the beginning of the program through the final performance?”

⏰ The Time Commitment Matters Too

A weekly 30-minute lesson is very different from joining a musical.

Before committing, ask:

• How many rehearsals or lessons occur each week?
• How much home practice is expected?
• Are rehearsals on school nights?
• Is weekend rehearsal required?
• How long is the production season?
• What is tech week?
• Is attendance mandatory during tech week?
• Can a child miss rehearsals for another activity?

✅ Questions to Ask About Private Lessons

🎵 Is this teacher a good fit?

• What ages do you teach?
• Do you work with complete beginners?
• What styles do you teach?
• Can we try a lesson first?
• How do you set goals?
• How much practice do you expect?
• How do you communicate with parents?

💵 What will it cost?

• What is the lesson rate?
• How long is each lesson?
• How often are we billed?
• Are books/materials extra?
• Are recitals included?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Are makeup lessons available?

🎻 What do we need at home?

• Does my child need their own instrument?
• Can we rent one?
• What size/model do you recommend?
• What accessories are required?
• How much should my child practice?

✅ Questions to Ask Before Joining a Production

• Are auditions competitive?
• Is everyone cast?
• What should my child prepare?
• Is there a participation fee?
• Are costumes supplied?
• How often are rehearsals?
• Is tech week mandatory?
• Are parents expected to volunteer?
• Is fundraising required?
• Can children participate backstage?
• What happens if another activity conflicts?

💰 Need Help Paying?

Ask about:

• 🎵 Financial assistance
• 🏅 Scholarships
• 💳 Payment plans
• 🎻 Instrument rentals
• 🎺 School-provided instruments
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Sibling discounts
• 🎶 Subsidized group classes
• 🏕️ Camp scholarships

CVSM offers financial assistance for qualifying private-lesson students, and several of its group programs are partially subsidized to lower family costs. 

📝 Are You a Local Music Teacher or Performing-Arts Program?

We want this guide to grow with our community.

If you offer private music instruction, youth theater, acting classes, ensembles, camps, workshops or other performing-arts opportunities in the Chambersburg-area Macaroni KID region, we'd love to hear from you.

Helpful information includes:

• 🎭 Program or instructor name
• 📍 Teaching location
• 📞 Phone
• 📧 Email
• 🌐 Website
• 🎶 Instrument or area taught
• 👧 Ages
• 🌱 Beginner-friendly?
• 👤 Private or group instruction
• 💻 In-person or virtual
• ⏱️ Lesson length
• 💵 Lesson/program cost
• 📝 Registration fee
• 🎻 Instrument-rental information
• 🎭 Recital/performance opportunities
• 🎟️ Audition information
• 💰 Scholarships or financial assistance

Program offerings, instructors, tuition, schedules and audition requirements may change. Families should confirm current information directly with each organization or instructor.

AI tools assisted with portions of the research and writing process. Content was reviewed and edited by a human publisher for local relevance, clarity and usefulness.