About Tim
Maybe you have already read a bit on the home page. Here's a bit more of my story.
My original songs can be best categorized as uplifting contemporary folk. They speak to the resilience of the human spirit, our connection to the earth and its mysteries, and the pursuit of human and divine love. My dream is to help uplift people to fully connect with the source of all creation, and their own creativity.
Music and creativity have been a part of my life since the beginning. Some of the images above show how I've been fascinated and excited about music and instruments since I was very very young.
You could say my more formal training came when in 5th grade, I was given a trumpet and joined the New Paltz Middle School concert band. In 7th grade, Tony Smaldone, my band director wanted to start a Symphonic Band, and recruited me to play french horn. I also sang in the choir and any theatrical productions the school put on. I would walk to school with my trumpet in one hand, french horn in the other, my homemade lunch in a brown paper bag stuffed into the bell of the horn, and a book bag over my shoulder.
In high school I was told I had to choose between the two brass instruments because the embouchure was different. I stuck with trumpet. I was interested in Jazz and had no model of a jazz french horn player. Too bad because I love that instrument. I continued to sing in choir, went to state choral competitions, and continued in theatre, including musical theatre.
My senior year I joined the SUNY New Paltz Concert Choir, conducted by Peter Bagley. It was singing under his direction that inspired me to study music education in college, with voice as my instrument.
Trying to do that and theatre at the same time proved challenging, in fact impossible. During those college years, 7 in total as I bounced around a bit, I picked up guitar, also a required course in my curriculum. That began my exploration into playing the music I loved growing up, though I loved many genres.
In the mid-80's I was a CU in Boulder, CO where I discovered Playback Theatre, an original form of improvisational theatre based on the enactment of personal stories. Music is one of several dimensions of Playback. Joining the Boulder Playback company, I quickly became not only an actor in the company but one of its musicians.
I got my first guitar in 1985 and wrote my first song 1986. I haven't stopped since.
After college, I moved to Boston and got involved with the New England Sound Healers, studying and training in that magical art. Through them I discovered Susan Osborn, founder of The Seeds Of Singing, a huge influence on me. I was also introduced to Mary Elizabeth Wheeler and Jan Carol who developed Spirit Song, based on Susan's work. I worked and taught with them for years.
All of this has informed the creation on my music and the SoulSound Playground.
Let's have a conversation. How I can be of service and bring uplifting inspiring music to you, your friends and customers?
Influences and inspirations
Tony Smaldone
Dr. Peter Bagley
Dr. Peter Bagley
Mr. Smaldone was my middle and high school band director. I started playing trumpet in 5th grade and played all the way through high school.
He was a hero to me, and a savior. He provided me a place where I felt valued and that I belonged. Instead of getting beat up on the playground, I'd hang out with Tony, set up the chairs and stands f
Mr. Smaldone was my middle and high school band director. I started playing trumpet in 5th grade and played all the way through high school.
He was a hero to me, and a savior. He provided me a place where I felt valued and that I belonged. Instead of getting beat up on the playground, I'd hang out with Tony, set up the chairs and stands for band practice and help him with whatever he needed help with. In 7th grade he encouraged me to take up French Horn for the Symphonic Band he wanted to form. I love that instrument and wish I had kept up with it.
Tony fully supported me and inspired my creativity and desire to grow musically. I am ever grateful.
Dr. Peter Bagley
Dr. Peter Bagley
Dr. Peter Bagley
One of my most important inspirations.
My senior year in high school, my beloved choral director, Polly Pritchard, another significant person who created a home for we creative students, left her job, My father recommended I try out for the SUNY New Paltz Concert Choir which invited a few community members to join. He had sung before and s
One of my most important inspirations.
My senior year in high school, my beloved choral director, Polly Pritchard, another significant person who created a home for we creative students, left her job, My father recommended I try out for the SUNY New Paltz Concert Choir which invited a few community members to join. He had sung before and set up the audition.
Dr. Bagley became my next mentor. I finally had the experience of, "That's what I want to do! I want to be like him!". This prompted me to study music education (as well as theatre) in college.
Dr. Bagley, whose wife had been my middle school music teacher and their daughter a fellow band mate who played oboe, held a high bar! He expected us to do our very best. When we did, you could feel his love, passion and excitement for music. It was infectious. And he taught me to celebrate mistakes. "If you're going to make a mistake, make it big! That way we can fix it right away."
Susan Osborn
Dr. Peter Bagley
Susan Osborn
Susan was a huge gift.
After finally graduating college, after 7 years of bouncing around, I became interested in Sound Healing. I began studying with the New England Sound Healers. It was there I was introduced to Susan, who developed an amazing and beautiful approach to singing she called, The Seeds Of Singing. I trained with her, and t
Susan was a huge gift.
After finally graduating college, after 7 years of bouncing around, I became interested in Sound Healing. I began studying with the New England Sound Healers. It was there I was introduced to Susan, who developed an amazing and beautiful approach to singing she called, The Seeds Of Singing. I trained with her, and this became a primary focus for years and heavily informs the SoulSound Playground!