Education:
Charlie received his first guitar at the age of 8 and took lessons for 3 years. He played tuba in his school orchestra from grades 4-10. He attended Montgomery College in Rockville, MD and University of Maryland at College Park, where he studied music theory, ear training, sight singing, composition and classical guitar performance.
Playing Experience:
Charlie began playing in bands at age 11, with his first paying gig at age 12, performing on Main Street in his hometown of Front Royal, VA. He continued playing in rock, jazz and folk bands through his high school and college years, after which he played professionally in the Baltimore/Washington area until the present.
Teaching Philosophy:
Charlie customizes his approach to meet the goals of each student. Students bring examples of the music they would like to learn to their lesson and Charlie transcribes the music to chord charts and guitar tablature (a skill he also teaches to his students). These form the basis of the lessons. Experience has shown that students are more likely to practice if the material they are working on is of their own choosing. Every song is a lesson! Charlie also spends time playing with every student at every lesson, thereby giving them the opportunity to learn to interact with another musician in real time. When appropriate, the student may be linked with other students that share musical interests and goals into duets or trios.
At first I worried that I would have difficulty learning to play the guitar. After only a few lessons, I was sold. Charlie's approach was really effective.
- LA, adult studentPhone: (240) 271-5784
Charlie Trapp
Guitar and Bass Lessons
14730 Black Ankle Rd.
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
