Story & Lesson Highlights with Charley Sabatino of Queens, NYC

Charley Sabatino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Charley, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
My day usually consists of teaching, practicing and composing. I really try to keep up my craft and expand my knowledge so I can share it with my students and have it help me create.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a professional bassist, educator and composer. I have an MA degree in music and decades of experience. While the bulk of my education is in jazz, I have played practically every form of Western music professionally. Iteach electric and upright bass, as well as improvisation to all instruments (I taught an ensemble class from 2010-2018). I have taught students in person and remotely on six continents and am also a member of the adjunct faculty at York College (CUNY) in Jamaica, NY. I am a Yamaha Performance Artist and also endorsed by Lakland Basses, SIT Strings, Tsunami Cables, Phil Jones Bass amps and Kahler Bridges. My current project is with the GPS Trio. The trio consists of double bass, alto sax and clarinet. It is a mix of classical, jazz and free improvisation. We have our debut album “Directions +Destinations” on 577 Records. It has been met with good reviews and airplay both domestically and abroad. (https://gps.bandzoogle.com/). We have been performing around NYC, looking to expand our reach and preparing for our second album to be recorded in 2026.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I was a disappointment. My family did not support me. They wanted me to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. I was an artist. It was not a good time for me. I know now that success is not just about $$ or prestige. It is about inner peace and satisfaction.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
there were SEVERAL times. But I picked myself and kept going. I remember when I was young, I was thrown out of jam sessions….embarrassed….I used it as a learning experience and moved on. I use them as an example for my students.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely…I am what u see. a hopeless music nerd doing the best he can…lol

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
when I have an instrument in my hand. It is my place of comfort and belonging.

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