Charles Hine studied clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music where he received numerous awards including the Geoffrey Hawkes Prize for Clarinet, the Lady Holland Prize for Composition and the Recital Diploma. During his studies he won the "Young Musician" Award for South East England and has since been honoured with an ARAM. Since the early 1970s Charles has followed a career as a clarinettist, holding principal positions with some of Britain's leading orchestras as well as continuing to give solo recitals and concerto performances. He has premiered many works for solo clarinet.

Charles is a founder member of the Vega Wind Quintet, one of the countries leading chamber ensembles and the only Wind Quintet to be invited to appear at the 'Proms'. The group broadcasts regularly for the BBC and appears at major Festivals both at home and abroad together with commissioning an extensive portfolio of new quintets by major British composers. He also has written a large number of compositions, including works for wind. His 'Variations' for Wind Quintet and arrangements for Clarinet Choir are published by Harlequin Music.

Charles is deeply involved with the promotion of Wind music and especially its educational aspect including being Chairman of the BASBWE (British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles) Education Trust and a Council member of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain. He is currently Head of Woodwind Studies and Performance Studies at the Colchester Institute School of Music where he directs the Wind Orchestra. He also conducts the Royal College of Music Junior Dept. Wind Orchestra and directs its Clarinet Choir. Charles has also been invited to be a guest conductor by orchestras and bands in England and Scotland. Much in demand as an adjudicator, Charles has chaired the assessment panels for the National Concert Band Festival the National Festival of Music for Youth as well as leading seminars and giving clinics and masterclasses on all aspects of clarinet, wind ensemble and band playing.