Experience Summary
Charlie Gilmer has been playing piano by ear since the age of 3, taking up lessons at age 9. It was at 15 when he answered God's calling to a life of music with his first church job. When playing for his choir at Smithfield High School, the director immediately observed in Charlie signs of perfect pitch (even though the ability was pretty apparent at a much earlier age) due to his uncanny knack for keeping the choir in tune while a capella, even without the use of a piano or keyboard. Charlie credits his choir director for inspiring him to audition for Shenandoah University Conservatory, that of which he passed during his senior year and accepted on the spot as a classical Piano Performance major...also studying the organ as his minor instrument. Charlie's degree studies included instruction in written/aural music theory, music history, conducting and pedagogy methods (teacher training) as well as the required weekly piano tutelage which had served as preparation for numerous solo and chamber recital performances. He completed his Bachelor of Music in Performance (BM) degree in 2002 and a Master's in 2006 taking additional courses in church music. During his tenure at SU, Charlie's private teachers included Dr. Karen Walker, Miss Elizabeth Temple and Dr. Steven Cooksey (organ and conducting). He had performed in master classes under legendary artists Gabriel Chodos, Yu-Ling Huang Davie, and Seymour Bernstein.
Charlie's performance career can be thought of as widespread due to the musical diversity of the repertoire, which ranges from classical to jazz, pop, blues, funk, R&B, classic rock and even hip hop. His experience includes playing piano, organ and keyboards at weddings, parties, corporate events and much more....solo, chamber groups, community choirs and bands. Charlie has played with such groups as the Blue Ridge Chorale, the Robbie Limon Band, Steel Breeze, Christina Lamoree, Danny and the Juniors, Stuck on Blue and 1000 Bucks. Venues played over the years include I.J.Canns, Piccadilly's Public House, Chopstick Cafe, Espresso Bar and Cafe and La Nicoise Cafe (French and Mediterranean cuisine).
Charlie is also an avid songwriter and composer (though he considers this mostly a hobby); he has written everything from pieces for solo piano, piano and flute and other instrumental combinations to even rap songs which he has both written AND performed live. He has two beautiful children---Anastasia Payge Marie (girl) and Amadeus Zhane Ravel (boy)...most importantly Charlie is a committed follower of Jesus Christ; whom he claims is the sole reason for overcoming every obstacle towards his successes today.
Teaching Style
I have taught piano lessons since 2006 at home, church and locally for students aged five to adult.
METHODS USED:
1) Bastien Piano Basics: Book A and B for students under age seven, but if the student starts at age seven, I will start him/her at Primer Level (ages 7 to 11)
2) Bastien Older Beginner (complete) Teenagers and adults
3) Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts
4) Alfred's Method for Group Piano, Books 1 and 2, used with both private and group piano lessons.
5) I will also use own teaching method by simply writing down drills, teaching pieces etc. on staff paper.
6) Flash cards, games, etc. for the kids to reinforce note names, musical symbols and terms.
7) Can teach classical, pop, contemporary Christian and hymns
Weekly lessons include exercises for note reading (for beginners), repertoire, scales, arpeggios and chords etc.; written theory and ear training/rhythm drills.
• Memorization is emphasized after approximately one year of private study; pedal technique is introduced towards the end of Level 1. For younger kids whose feet cannot yet reach the pedals, a pedal extender is used.
• Seasonal recitals (Christmas, spring) have been given to build confidence for playing public.
My teaching philosophy states that every person is capable of learning a musical instrument regardless of their “talent level” or age. Learning music is a lifelong journey of development and fun. Learning an instrument, such as the piano, is like planting a seed. They all take time to grow and blossom. It is up to the individual student as well as the teacher as to how well that "seed" matures...meaning that every person deserves that one compatible teacher to help guide him/her along the way in what that student wishes to learn (genre of music etc.). It is entirely up to the student as to what he/she can learn through endless amounts of practice and self-discovery.