Charles received his Master of Music Performance degree from Illinois State University and his Bachelor of Music Performance degree from UW-Oshkosh. He has been teaching private lessons for over 20 years.
Charles is currently on faculty as Adjunct Instructor of Music at both Ripon College and UW-Oshkosh. He coaches sectionals for the Fox Valley Youth Concert Orchestra, Ripon College, Appleton West High School and other area orchestras. He also coaches chamber music during the summer at The Clearing in Door County.
Charles is the assistant principal cellist with the Fox Valley Symphony and performs with other ensembles including the Manitowoc Symphony. Charles was formerly the principal cellist of the Sheboygan Symphony and has played in the Peoria Symphony, Illinois Opera Orchestra and Green Bay Symphony. He is an active chamber musician and performs with a variety of touring musicals and shows.