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| Curiosity 101! |
 As I learned to crawl, the three pedals underneath the upright piano became my close friends. The slight, but audible harmonic sound that the strings made when the pedals were pushed down and release intrigued me.
At the age of two, I ventured onto the piano bench and began creating melodies (according to my mother). That paid off later in kindergarten. The teacher noticed that I enjoyed playing the piano and invited me to accompany the class for music time. Not much of a paying gig, but it kept me out of trouble.
My biggest fans were my parents. They kept me motivated to play (practice, practice, ...), and also encouraged me to pursue art and writing. Many of our family excursions included concerts, plays and music/art related events, most of which were held at Fullerton Union High School's Plummer Auditorium, Fullerton College or Cal State Fullerton. It was an honor to end up playing the piano and trumpet on stage at Fullerton High School years later.
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 Terry Blackley, my Fullerton Union High School Band Director, challenged me to compose and arrange music for marching band and studio jazz band. I am thankful for his guidance and inspiration. To standard Terry set for me to "do the best that you can do" lives on. My children are now studying music, art and are involved in performance-related activities. The "Blackley Effect" continues on .........
Following graduation, I attended the University of Redlands, studying music composition under Dr. Barney Childs. Professor James R. Jorgensen was my band director ..... including a very cool Studio Jazz Band program that he operated at the level I experienced at Fullerton under Terry. For the next few years, I was immersed in Jazz Band concerts, festivals and gigs that Prof. Jorgensen lined up for the band. Funny how things contribute to a bigger picture when you really enjoy what you do. It all adds up to my continued pursuit of helping and encouraging others in the Music, Art and Writing fields.
In addition to recording CDs, I produce other artists, write soundtrack music, produce audio tracks for read-along storybooks, develop and perform sound effects, ... and play on a cool worship team on Sunday mornings. |
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| Performing music that is relaxing and encouraging to others is what I enjoy the most, whether it is for a soundtrack, special gathering or worship service. To translate emotions into music is an amazing process and a rewarding experience. My goal as a composer and performer is to successfully guide the listener/viewer on a journey that brings them back safely home. Enjoy the music!
If you remember a teacher or someone who encouraged you early on in the Arts, hunt them down and thank them!
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| Charlie's Music on CDBaby.com
Stream Charlie's Music on Soundclick.com
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