Charles Baker ATCL, 35, is a British, classically-trained PIANO ENTERTAINER and proud autistic musician (being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD] in 2025). Born and bred in the UK, Charles is an extremely versatile performer with a musical repertoire that is not only huge (over 1,900 songs), but stylistically diverse, with something for everyone (including Country, Disney, Jazz, Motown, Musicals — and even songs in German!)

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Starting piano lessons at just five years old, Charles knew from an early age that music was his deepest life passion and wanted to make it his career. After achieving Trinity College London's ATCL Diploma in Solo Piano with his teacher's support (a post-Grade 8 qualification), he went on to study music at the University of Huddersfield — graduating in 2013 with a 2:1 degree in BA (Hons) Music Technology and Popular Music.

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Five months later (ironically, one week after finally passing his driving test), he was offered a job on Cruise & Maritime Voyages' cruise ship MS Marco Polo as pianist in the onboard Classical Duo. (As he memorably said at the time: "I can drive a car; I can't drive a ship.") This, then, marked the beginning of his exciting career performing at sea, which to date has covered 13 cruise ships & ferries with 5 different companies — including Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean International!​

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Following his most recent contract onboard Ovation Of The Seas, Charles took a 2-year sabbatical in order to both take a break from ship life and focus on his creative projects & personal development. This happily coincided with his sister Madeleine's wedding in July 2024, meaning he was available to perform live for guests and family members at her reception at Hilltop Barn in Poynton, Cheshire.

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In addition to performing, Charles loves to compose music — achieving a significant milestone in December 2024 by recording his debut EP of original piano compositions at a professional studio in Middlewich, Cheshire (to be released online at a later date). [Photos from the recording session can be viewed in the website GALLERY.]

 

He also entered his original choir & organ piece Peace In Troubled Times into the London Choral Sinfonia's 2025 Christmas Carol Competition, receiving kind, positive feedback from the LCS Administrator and an invitation to enter again in 2026.​​​​​​​​​​​

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Away from music, Charles has a passion for creative writing (in particular, Hollywood screenplay structure and the art of writing a "great" story), with an ambition to one day write and publish a bestselling novel.

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He also enjoys challenging his brain with word & number puzzles and in 2025 (as part of his sabbatical), fulfilled a lifelong ambition by appearing as a contestant on Channel 4's long-running game show Countdown (his debut appearance on national TV). In a close contest, he pushed the champion all the way and thanks largely to the brilliant 8-letter spot PLATEAUS, was in contention until the penultimate round — recovering from an early 21-point deficit, scoring 67 overall and playing the game with a positive and spirited attitude. Charles plans to reapply in the future (when eligible to do so) to hopefully take home the famous Countdown teapot!​

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Charles is in excellent health, immediately available and ready, motivated & excited to return to the stage and entertain live audiences.

He is seeking land-based performing work in luxury hotels worldwide — and also happy to consider river cruise lines (such as AmaWaterways).

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Contact him TODAY to enhance your venue with outstanding piano entertainment!