Having grown up on a small farm in southwestern Minnesota, Charlie Leftridge spent his childhood deeply immersed in both nature and the rural church. In this way, Leftridge developed a deep love for both natural aesthetics and hymnody—these elements color much of his unique compositional voice. His music is largely written for choral and chamber ensembles, often setting his own original text. Leftridge’s works have been performed all over the nation, most recently by Musicorum— Mankato, Minnesota's premier community choir—under the direction of Dr. Brandon Dean.

Other notable performances of his work include premieres by the MNSU Chamber Singers, under the direction of David Dickau; the Kansas City VITAs, under the direction of Jackson Thomas; and the Esoterics, under the direction of Dr. Eric Banks.

Leftridge currently serves as the Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center and the Director of Music and Worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, both in Mankato, Minnesota. He is also a grant-writing consultant with a special interest in promoting working artists and community connection in Greater Minnesota.