Curriculum Vitae

Charles Torok
6411 NE 6th Ave | Portland, OR 97211
Phone: (619) 871-2018
Email:
ctorokmusic@gmail.com | charlestorokmusic.com 

Mission Statement

To nurture a lifelong love of music in my students by helping them grow in confidence, cultivate a sense of community, and flourish in an enriching environment filled with immersion, encouragement, and good humor.

Professional Summary

A dedicated and versatile educator and musician with over 10 years of experience in music instruction, performance, and leadership. Currently pursuing further education in Music Education at Portland State University, with a passion for engaging students through active and engaging lessons.

Education

Post-Bachelor Studies - Music Education
Portland State University – Portland, OR
2024 – Present

Bachelor of Music - Jazz Studies
San Diego State University – San Diego, CA
2017 – 2020

Associate of Music for Transfer
Southwestern Community College – Chula Vista, CA
2012 – 2017

High School Diploma
Hilltop High School – Chula Vista, CA
2008 – 2012

Work Experience

Substitute Teacher
Portland Public Schools – Portland, OR
2024 – Present

  • Provide instructional support across various grade levels and subjects, adapting to different classroom environments.

  • Implement lesson plans, manage classroom dynamics, and support student learning in the absence of regular educators.

  • Navigate new institutional procedure on a daily basis.

Freelance Guitar Instructor
Self-Employed – Portland, OR
2016 – Present

  • Offer personalized guitar lessons for students of all ages and skill levels, focusing on technique, theory, and performance.

  • Develop custom lesson plans based on individual learning goals and musical interests.

Freelance Musician
Self-Employed – Portland, OR
2012 – Present

  • Specialize in jazz guitar, double bass, and contemporary music genres.

Portland Parks & Recreation, SUN School Specialist Instructor
Portland, OR
2021 – Present

  • Instruct music-related activities and lessons for students in after-school programs, focusing on creative expression and group performance.

  • Lead class of 16 3-5th grade students through an 8 week curriculum of guitar and ukulele instruction.

  • Serve as short notice substitute for nutritional services worker, serving supper to student base of over 100 students.




Wilkes Elementary Long Term Substitute - Music
Portland, OR
April 2024 – June 2024

  • Managed a long-term substitute position teaching music to elementary students.

  • Adapted to school environment and institutional procedure.

  • Collaborated with classroom teachers to ensure student success.

  • Built trust and cultivated relationships with 400 K-5th grade students.


Portland Parks & Recreation, Recreation Leader (Seasonal)
Portland, OR
2021 – 2023

  • Led various recreational and educational activities for children and families in community-based programs.

  • Trained and supervised team of 16 seasonal staff on a variety of AV and staging equipment.

  • Set up and managed 50+ outdoor concerts and movies in the park.

San Diego State University, M118 Music Technology Shop Lead Assistant
San Diego, CA
2017 – 2020

  • Assisted in managing the music technology lab, providing technical support to students and faculty on music production software and hardware.

  • Trained and supervised team of seasonal staff on a variety of AV and staging equipment.

  • Oversaw 1.3m inventory of musical instruments and oversaw rental process.

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Insurance Fraud Division
San Diego, CA
2014 – 2017

  • Managed case documentation and research for the Insurance Fraud Division, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.

Ultrastar Cinemas
San Diego, CA
2013 – 2014

  • Provided customer service and managed theater operations, ensuring an excellent movie-going experience for patrons.

Trainings and Professional Development

  • Mari Schay World Music Drumming PD – Fairview Elementary, 05/17/24

  • Music Will Modern Band Method Workshop – 10/11/2024

  • BethAnn Hepburn Portland Orff-Schulwerk Association Fall PD – 10/12/2024

  • CPR Certified – 2023

  • STEDI Subskills Training 2024

Volunteer Experience

Sitton Elementary Food Pantry
Portland, OR
2021 – Present

  • Volunteer to support the local community by distributing food.


Music Performance Experience

  • Portland State University Big Band (Jazz Guitar)

  • Portland State University University Band (Double Bass)

  • San Diego State University Combo 1 – Directed by Richard Thompson (Jazz Guitar)

  • Lightbulb Jones – Lead Guitar

  • Jasper Diem – Double Bass

  • JT and The Mudbugs – Guitar & Double Bass

  • Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine – Jazz Guitar

  • Silver Strand Band – Lead Guitar

  • San Diego State University Wind Symphony – Symphony by The Sea (Lead Guitar) 10/06/2019

Professional Affiliations

  • CNAfME (Collegiate National Association for Music Education)

  • LiUNA Local 483 (Labor Union)


Technical Skills

  • Music Software: Logic Pro, Finale, Sibelius, Garageband, Musescore

  • Instruments: Guitar, Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Flute

  • Other Skills: Music Theory, Performance, Teaching, Music Technology

References

Available upon request.