Built for the Long Game
Harborfields Music Center isn't a hobby studio. It's a structured music education program designed around one question: what does it actually take to develop a confident, capable musician?
Not just lessons, a complete curriculum.
Most music schools teach your child to play other people's songs. We built something different. Our GrowthTrack curriculum takes students through Band, Music Technology, Ear Training, Composition & Publishing, and Songwriting; one phase per month, on a continuous cycle.
From first note to published artist. That's the promise. Every student — regardless of instrument or tier — progresses through the same complete framework. Twice-weekly is the standard, not the upgrade.
We serve students from ages 3 through adult in Greenlawn, Huntington, and the surrounding Long Island communities. Our small-group sessions are capped at 5 students, never more, so every child gets real attention, real feedback, and real progress.
751 Pulaski Road, Suite B · Greenlawn, NY 11740
Serving: Greenlawn · Huntington · Northport · East Northport · Centerport · Dix Hills · Commack
Our Core Values
Consistency Over Talent
Meaningful musical progress comes from consistent practice and structured learning, not just natural ability.
Growth Mindset
Every student can improve. Our GrowthTrack curriculum is built on the science of skill development and habit formation.
Performance Culture
Recitals and performances are built into our curriculum. Students learn to share their music with pride and confidence.
Lifelong Love of Music
Our goal isn't just technical skill; it's helping students develop a genuine, lasting relationship with music.
Small-Group Accountability
Classes capped at 5 students. You get the accountability of a group setting with the attention of near-private instruction.
Complete Curriculum
GrowthTrack covers Band, Music Technology, Ear Training, Composition & Publishing, and Songwriting; one phase per month.
Michael Charles
Michael started teaching at 13, teaching music and English to immigrants in his neighborhood. He's been developing people ever since. Today he leads instruction in piano, guitar, bass, drums, brass, and woodwinds alongside a talented team of instructors, drawing on a musical foundation that runs deep: New York City All City Band, State Level Band Competitions, performances with the United States Air Force Band of the Rockies, and years of arts event planning and performance.
But what makes Harborfields Music Center different is what he built on top of that foundation. Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Music minor and a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology — the science of how people grow, perform, and lead. He started his corporate career at JP Morgan Chase before becoming a Founding Partner of Maxwell Leadership, where he coached executives and teams across the country. He's also a published author and, in 2009, founded Light the World Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to educating children in Haiti and providing mentorship, coaching, and scholarship opportunities to youth in New York City and Long Island.
Harborfields Music Center is the result: a music school built by someone who understands music, business, and human development — and designed around helping kids become confident, capable leaders through music.
Credentials & Background
- ✓Started teaching music at age 13
- ✓New York City All City Band · State Level Band Competitions
- ✓Performed with the U.S. Air Force Band of the Rockies
- ✓Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with Music Minor
- ✓Master of Science in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
- ✓JP Morgan Chase — Leadership Development Program
- ✓Founding Partner, Maxwell Leadership
- ✓Published Author — Business Strategy Series, Emerald Insights
- ✓Founder & President, Light the World Foundation (501c3) — educating children in Haiti and mentoring youth in New York City and Long Island
Michael speaks to K-12 schools, parent groups, leadership conferences, and faith-based communities on music education, leadership development, and building purpose-driven organizations.
Request Michael for a Speaking EventReady to see what we're building?
Start with a $69 risk-free trial — two 30-minute lessons. No further commitment required.