David Charles

David Charles is an Associate Teaching Professor at Montana State University, holding appointments in the School of Music, College of Letters and Science, American Studies Program, and Liberal Studies Program. He teaches World Music, History of Jazz, Aural Perception, and 20th-21st Century Music History courses across multiple academic units.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Music in Music Composition and Theory from University of South Carolina (1995)
• Master of Music in Ethnomusicology from University of Texas at Austin (2003)

Professor Charles specializes in African-American musical traditions with deep expertise in Jazz and Hindustani classical music. His research examines cultural intersections in global music practices, particularly focusing on 20th-21st century developments in American music and North Indian classical traditions. He investigates how musical forms express cultural identity and social movements through both scholarly and creative lenses.

His creative output demonstrates remarkable genre fluidity across composition and performance. Recent works like "Down Into the Valley" (2023) and "The Resistance" (2019) blend American folk narratives with contemporary classical techniques, while ensemble performances with The Vibe Quartet and Tsunami Funk showcase improvisational mastery in jazz, funk, and soul idioms. This body of work reflects his commitment to bridging academic scholarship with practical musicianship.

His professional recognition includes:

• Liberal Studies Online Teaching Award (2015)

Professor Charles mentors undergraduate students through course instruction and ensemble participation, though specific graduate advisees aren't documented. While major research grants aren't noted, his community engagement includes Bozeman Public Library presentations and service to the MSU American Indian Council, demonstrating commitment to public scholarship beyond campus boundaries.

He maintains active performance collaborations with local ensembles including Tsunami Funk and The Vibe Quartet, positioning Bozeman's music scene as a living laboratory for his ethnomusicological research. These real-world artistic partnerships directly inform his pedagogical approach across multiple academic programs.