Brian Charles is a conservatory-trained oboist, composer, and master double-reed repair specialist whose career bridges the worlds of classical tradition and creative experimentation. He was ascholarship student at The Juilliard School under Harold Gomberg (Principal Oboe, New York Philharmonic) with studies at Manhattan School of Music and  training with distinguished artists including Ronald Roseman, Lenny Hindell, Henry Schumann, Jerry Roth, and Merrill Greenberg. Alongside his performance studies, he pursued formal training in double reed instrument repair with Pedro Rivera and Saul Fromkin – establishing the technical foundation for more than forty years at the bench restoring and optimizing fine oboes and bassoons.

As founder of Charles Double Reed Company in 1983, Brian built one of the country’s most respected double-reed specialty workshops. His repair practice includes comprehensive mechanical restoration, precision keywork fitting, crack stabilization, tonal rebalancing. His formal insurance appraisals are accepted by all major insurance companies. He has been serving students, professionals, museums, and collectors who depend on long-term reliability and nuanced response. His philosophy is simple: every repair decision must ultimately serve musical expression.

Brian has maintained an active musical life in improvisation, experimental music, and cross-genre collaboration. A Yamaha Foundation Grant recipient for composition on the MIDI-Grand Piano, and a former Yamaha and Buffet Performance Artist, he has performed with The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, The New Jersey Philharmonic, and numerous chamber ensembles — while also founding and performing in projects such as The Metropolitan Wind Trio, The World Casio Quartet, The Flatland Oscillators, and other experimental ensembles. His work spans solo performance, orchestral work, live and studio recordings, video game soundtracks, and multimedia collaborations – a breadth that deeply informs his ear as a repair specialist.

Now based in the Hudson Valley, Brian brings this rare combination of conservatory training, entrepreneurial leadership, and hands-on craftsmanship to a vibrant regional arts community. As founder of Charles Double Reed Company, The North Conway Music Center, and The New Hampshire Teaching Institute – and recipient of the New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award – he understands both the artistry and the practical realities musicians face. Clients value his technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to supporting musicians at every stage of their careers.