An award-winning NYC-based composer and jazz guitarist with prestigious grants from the New York Foundation for the Arts.
NYC-based composer and guitarist Charlie studied jazz guitar at Shenandoah Conservatory, earning the Instrument Conservatory Scholarship in both 2003 and 2004. He is a highly recognized artist, having received prestigious grants from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the Klaustrid Foundation, and the Meet The Composer/MetLife Creative Connections Program.
Charlie has been a dedicated educator since 2006, offering master-level instruction in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Alternative, and Improvisation. Beyond instrumental performance, he is a sought-after instructor for Composition. His prestigious resume includes serving as composer-in-residence for the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
An accomplished author and clinician, Charlie penned Simply, Patiently, Quietly (String Letter Publishing), a unique collection of original compositions and essays on the creative approach. He is signed to Destiny Records and serves as a professional artist ambassador for Collings Guitars and La Bella Strings. Whether you are looking to master the foundations of guitar, bass, or piano, or want to explore advanced composition, Charlie provides an elite, professional learning environment for students of all ages.
Charlie provides elite instruction throughout the Astoria and Queens areas. He believes in a holistic approach to music that balances technical proficiency with creative expression and original thought.
Professional Outreach: Charlie has given artist talks at prominent institutions including LSU, the University of Tennessee, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
We know that inviting an instructor into your life requires trust. That's why every instructor at Melody Music Studios, including Charlie, goes through the strictest vetting process in the industry.