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 John Charles Cook plays a
superb, eclectic guitar with an extensive repertoire, which
includes classical, jazz standards and popular music.
He embraces classical music
while adopting stylistic elements from Latin, jazz and
flamenco.
Some of his influences include
Johann Sebastian Bach, George Gershwin, and Stevie Wonder.
His music career spans over 30
years as a performer and instructor.
John Charles performs
frequently at several of the premiere dining establishments
as well as for private functions in area country clubs
located throughout upstate New York including Glen Sanders
Mansion, 677 Prime Steakhouse, Albany Country Club, and the
Fort Orange Country Club, to name a few.
Many recognize and are delighted
at the familiar elegant sounds of his guitar while guests at
weddings and private engagements held at the
Desmond
Hotel,
The Gideon Putnam, The Ritz Carlton and The Sagamore Resort
& Hotel.
In addition, John Charles
travels beyond the northeast and performs in
Vermont,
Connecticut,
Massachusetts,
Lake Placid,
Tennessee,
Georgia
and New York City.
For several years, he has
been requested to provide musical entertainment annually for
many of the area’s largest corporations including banks, law
firms, health organizations, hospitals and several State
agencies.
He has also had the pleasure of
performing at The Capital Repertory Theatre, Proctor’s
Theatre, the Schenectady Showcase and The Albany Institute
of History and Art.
John Charles is often requested
to perform at events for local and state government
officials.
Recognizing the challenges faced
by many not-for-profit agencies, John Charles often donates
his talent to organizations including the AIDS Council of
Northeastern New York, The Dominican Retreat House and many
organizations that service the needs of individuals with
challenged disabilities.
“Music is not just an art; it is
life”
 In addition to his
performing career, John Charles has a deep commitment to
teaching.
He is a guitar instructor at Carondolet Music in
Latham,
New York
and also provides private lessons at his home.
His students range in age from 6
to 65 and, no matter what the age, he inspires all his
students to devote themselves to their craft.
Because of his unique teaching
abilities, John Charles has developed specific instruction
methods for those who desire to learn for recreational
purposes as well as those seeking to pursue a career in
music, thus preparing them for the educational challenges of
a music institution.
Knowing
few ensemble opportunities exist for
guitarists,
John Charles started a guitar ensemble at
Carondolet Music.
Through his style and method of
teaching, the students learn the skills, techniques and
performance practices of a guitar ensemble or any musical
group.
While participating in the
ensemble, the students gain a comfort level in performing
with a group, how to follow a conductor and the ability to
sight-read music.
Also, students develop a keen
sense of communication through music and an awareness of the
other instrumentation.
This furthers their
understanding, respect and appreciation for music as a
whole.
John Charles believes
that his musicianship is only enhanced through his
performances.
He will continue performing not
only because of his passion for the guitar, but to be a
constant reminder to his students of their potential.
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