LESSONS

I offer individual and group lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, songwriting, and production in nearly every musical style. I enjoy helping my students learn to play the instruments and songs that inspire them. Contact me to inquire about openings.

Ages

Children 5+ to adults 70+

Location

My studio is at the Lake Harriet House of Music in Southwest Minneapolis. I also teach online via Zoom and Facetime.

Spring 2026 bands (ages 9-18)

Join a band, rock out and make friends! Since founding Rock U in 2015, Charlie has taught hundreds of students how to rock in bands. Students meet together in the garage at the Lake Harriet House of Music for practice one evening a week to learn songs from a variety of modern and classic rock artists. Over the session, bands put together a set of songs and play a concert at a local music venue.

Performance

Rock U Spring Showcase
Sunday, June 7th
1:00-4:30pm
at Bryant Lake Bowl

Rock U 101 (Grades 4-8)

Mondays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: April 6th-June 8th (9 weeks)
No practice: 5/25 (Memorial Day)
Band tuition: $385

Rock U 301 (Grades 9-12)

Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: April 7th-June 9th (9 weeks)
No practice: 5/26
Band tuition: $385

Rock U 201 (Grades 5-12)

Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Practice dates: April 8th-June 10th (9 weeks)
No practice: 5/27
Band tuition: $385

Rock U 201 (Grades 5-12)

Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: April 9th-June 11th (10 weeks)
Band tuition: $425

Bands are open to guitar, bass, drums/percussion, keyboard, vocals, and horns. Singing and trading instruments is encouraged. Space in each band is limited to 6 members. Contact Charlie if you have questions about which band is right for your child. Registration is complete once the non-refundable band tuition is paid in full.

To inquire or register, email Charlie@Smith-Music.com or call/text 612-234-1770

Jam Sessions for Grown-ups

A weekly gathering for adult musicians of all ages to play rock, folk, country, and R&B from the 1960s, '70s, & '80s. Each month, the band learns a new set of 4-5 songs. Once a quarter, the band plays a concert at a local music venue.

Bring your guitars and voices and join the band! Horns and strings are also welcome. Keyboards, amps, PA, and drums are provided. Advanced beginners and up - parts can be tailored to your level.

Spring 2026 Dates

Mondays 7:00-8:00pm
Session 1: April 6, 13, 20, 27
Session 2: May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8 (No practice 5/25 for Memorial Day)

Band Tuition

Sign up for one session at a time or for the whole spring.
Session 1: $140
Session 2: $170
Take $10 off if you sign up for both sessions at the same time.

Performance

Groove Garden Spring Showcase
Sunday, June 7th
1:00-4:30pm
at Bryant Lake Bowl

Charlie started Groove Garden in 2024 and has a special place in his heart (and record collection) for music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. He's played it extensively in several Twin Cities cover bands including Hannah and the Dangertones (rock/funk/soul), All Tomorrow's Petty (Tom Petty), Eleganza plays Exile on Main St. (Rolling Stones), Boot Cut (country), and Sunshine Committee (rock/soul).

To inquire, email Charlie@Smith-Music.com or call/text 612-234-1770

ABOUT ME

My primary instrument is piano, which I've played since age six. I also have many years of experience singing and playing guitar, bass, and drums.

Education

I have a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, where my studies focused on classical and jazz piano performance, composition, and arranging. I spent a semester studying opera and jazz in Milan, Italy. I continue to study with a number of mentors, most recently Congolese guitarist Siama Matuzungidi.

Bands

I've played in over 25 bands in Minneapolis since 2007 spanning rock, pop, blues, jazz, folk, country, classical, musical theater, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and world music. I've released 5 albums of original music with my bands Eleganza, UMAMI, and Military Special and I've recorded with many other artists. I've performed at noteworthy venues like First Avenue and on national TV, and I've toured the country.