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.

Fall 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 fall session, bands will put together a set of songs and play two concerts at local music venues.

Performance

Rock U Halloween Showcase
Sunday, October 25th
1:00-4:30pm
at Bryant Lake Bowl Rock U Fall Showcase
Sunday, December 13th
1:00-5:00pm
at Uptown VFW

Rock U 101 (Grades 4-8)

Mondays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: September 14th-December 14th (14 weeks)
Band tuition: $600

Rock U 301 (Grades 9-12)

Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: September 8th-December 15th (14 weeks)
No practice: 11/24 (Thanksgiving break)
Band tuition: $600

Rock U 201 (Grades 5-12)

Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm
Practice dates: September 10th-December 17th (13 weeks)
No practice: 10/15 (MEA break), 11/26 (Thanksgiving break)
Band tuition: $560

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 session, the band learns a new set of songs and 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.

Fall 2026 Dates

Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Session 1: 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21 (6 weeks; no practice 10/14)
Session 2: 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 (7 weeks; no practice 11/25)

Band Tuition

Sign up for one session at a time or for the whole fall.
Session 1: $200
Session 2: $230
Sign up for both sessions at the same time for $420 ($10 off).

Performance

Groove Garden Halloween Showcase (Session 1)
Sunday, October 25th
1:00-4:30pm
at Bryant Lake Bowl Groove Garden Fall Showcase (Session 2)
Sunday, December 13th
1:00-5:00pm
at Uptown VFW

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.