Charlie Chrisman has over 35 years’ vocal and musical teaching experience. He began music studies playing trumpet in elementary school with goal of one day becoming a band teacher. In middle school he added singing; performing in concert choirs, show choirs, and also in musical theater.
Charlie holds a Bachelor degree in Vocal Music Education (k-12) from Central Missouri University and a Master's in Church music from Western Seminary, Portland Oregon.
Throughout college he sang lead tenor in a Barbershop Quartet and performed throughout the state at various venues. He studied classical voice privately as well as performed in madrigal groups, concert choirs and various ensembles. Other college vocal experience includes singing in and directing a contemporary gospel ensemble that traveled to multiple states.
Charlie’s experience as an instructor also began during college where he taught trumpet and voice, later adding piano and guitar as well.
After moving to Oregon in 1990, he was the first full time Worship Arts Pastor at Greater Gresham Church (now known as Pathway Church). He spent 13 years developing the music, drama groups and media programs which included multiple adult worship teams, musical theater events, youth worship bands and gospel choirs. He continues to teach privately and in other local organizations such as Journey Theater Arts.
Charlie's music interests span from musical theater, instrumental, classical, EDM, opera, choral, jazz, gospel, rock, blues, to country! He is passionate about the power of music to change the lives of both those who study and perform AND those who hear and experience those performances. He is excited about sharing that passion with families at SALT!