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.