Charlie Christenson

Style: Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Musical Theatre

Title: Associate Professor of Voice

Bio:

Dr. Charlie Christenson is an associate professor of music at the Berklee College of Music in the Voice Department. As a vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter, he has continually challenged the status-quo and forged his own unique aesthetic path. He is equally at home playing, singing, and improvising in a wide array of contemporary styles, particularly rock, R&B, folk, and jazz (all of which are represented in the working bands which he has led in Minneapolis, Miami, and New York City). His recordings can be found on Spotify and Apple Music released independently and through the New York based-label Biophilia Records.

Prior to joining the Berklee faculty, Christenson taught at the University of Southern Maine, the University of Miami, and for six years served as the Head of the Voice Department and Director of the Graduate Program at the McNally Smith College of Music. His doctoral project, entitled "A Study of Vocal Technique Through the Development of Four Advanced Études for Jazz and Contemporary Vocalists," was completed in Spring 2020, and the first expanded collection of original voice études derived from this research is nearing completion for publication.

Christenson is a native of Wisconsin. He grew up listening to Paul Simon and playing drums in a Led Zeppelin cover band. In college he produced a classic rock radio show and played piano in a salsa orchestra. In New York, he sang with big bands and avant-garde free jazz ensembles, while spending his afternoons walking through Central Park listening to Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver.

Voice Type: Not Applicable

Music Styles Taught: Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I have a wait-list for private lessons; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I accept students through a college or university program

Contact Information