~  On November 4, Tim will play the classical guitar at the White House!  He will be one of two assistants to guitarist Sharon Isbin in teaching a class of guitar students from throughout the country in a master class.  This event is in connection with the White House Music Series.

~  During the summer, Tim served as an intern to renowned film score composer James Newton Howard.

~ On June 2, Tim performed on the classical guitar for the New West Symphony's "My Symphony" benefit. 

~  Tim was selected to perform in The Colburn School's Honors Recital, which took place on May 31.   This recital showcased some of the school's best music students.   Tim played Alban Berg's Sonata, Op. 1 on the piano.

~ On May 30, Tim was named "Senior Fellow" of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Composer Fellowship Program, along with his 3 co-fellows, at the culmination of the 2-year Program headed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky.  The Program will  continue this Fall under composer James Matheson.

~ Tim was just awarded 1st Place in the Parkening Young Guitarist Competition.  This two-day competition included  guitarists from around the world under age 18.  The competition took place on May 26 - 27 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and honors renowned classical guitarist Christopher Parkening.  For more information about this competition, please go to http://arts.pepperdine.edu/parkening/youngguitarist/.

~ On May 9, Tim played the classical guitar for the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles' Gala Benefit, "Noche de Ninos."    Performers for this event included singer Jewel and Raphael Saadiq.  Speakers included Jennifer Lopez, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Annette Bening among others.  The benefit took place in Beverly Hills, CA. 

~ On March 22, Tim performed as the guitar soloist with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony playing the Concerto de Aranjuez.  He also joined the Symphony in playing Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol.  This concert was part of the Santa Barbara Symphony's eight-day 2nd International Guitar Festival. 

~ On March 21, Tim was awarded Honorable Mention (3rd place) in the 2009 Spotlight Awards in the Classical Instrumental category.  This category includes all Southern California high-school-age students playing any classical instrument.  Tim had earlier been named as one of 15 semifinalists in that competition.

~ On March 15, Tim was the featured performer in a concert held in Bakersfield as part of the Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series.  

~ On March 5 and 6, the Los Angeles Philharmonic performed Tim's first full-orchestra piece, entitled "Constructure."  The performance was a part of the Phil's "Symphony For Schools" (SFS) program for high school and middle school music students.   To read an article published by the Los Angeles Times on Tim, the LA Phil Composer Fellows and the SFS program, please go to:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-ca-fellows1-2009mar01,0,3318371.story

Also, radio station KUSC aired a piece about the Composer Fellowship Program and SFS program on its "Arts Alive" show on May 28.  The show contains interviews with Steven Stucky, Tim and two other Composer Fellows and contains excerpts of the Fellows' compositions as played by the LA Phil.  To hear this radio show, please go to:

http://kusc.podbean.com/2009/03/28/arts-alive-march-28-2009

~ On November 23, Tim won 3rd place in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition for piano, Division III.  The Competition was filled with incredibly talented pianists.  It was held at Azusa Pacific University.

~ On November 6, Tim was the featured young musician with the Young Musicians Foundation (YMF) Debut Orchestra at the YMF's 54th Annual Gala Benefit.  Tim was introduced by Dick Van Dyke, the evening's lively MC, and played the classical guitar for the second movement of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez.  The Gala was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

~ On September 28, world-renowned bassist Christian McBride and the Sonus Quartet debuted a new composition written by Tim and his three colleague composers with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Composer Fellowship Program, Jack McFadden-Talbot, Andy Alden, and Saad Haddad.   Each young composer contributed a movement to the piece, entitled "Spring Revisited,"  which was inspired by Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring."  The composition was performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Grand Avenue Festival in Los Angeles.   

~ Tim appears in the 2008 issue of Steinway & Sons magazine in an article "Young Classical Stars Find Support at 'From The Top,'" by Michael A. Robinson.    The article provides "a look at several rising young stars who have appeared on at least one 'From the Top' show" and contains a photo and biographical information about Tim.

~ On August 10, 2008, Tim won 2nd place in the Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Solo Competition, Division I (ages 15 - 18).   The competition took place in San Francisco, California.

~ On July 12, 2008, Tim performed a solo classical guitar concert benefitting Southern California's New West Symphony and its educational programs. 

~ Tim was selected to perform in The Colburn School's Honors Recital, which took place on June 1, 2008.   This recital showcased some of the school's best music students.   Tim played  Rachmaninoff's "Etude Tableau in F-sharp minor, Op. 29, No. 3"on the piano.

~ On February 27 and 28, 2008 the Los Angeles Philharmonic performed Tim's original composition entitled "Soliloquy" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.    This performance as part of the L.A. Phil's Symphony For Schools program, a music education program for middle and high school students in the Los Angeles area.   Tim's short composition was performed by the strings section of the L.A. Phil and was conducted by Joana Caneiro, Assistant Conductor of the L.A. Phil.

~ On February 8, 2008, Tim was a featured performer with the South Coast Symphony's "Young Stars of the Future" concert.   He was the classical guitar soloist with the Symphony, playing the second movement of Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez."   He also performed one of his original guitar compositions, "Fuerza."   The concert took place at Laguna Hills, CA.

~ On October 21, 2007 Tim competed in the Guitar Foundation of America's International Youth Competition, Division II.    Tim came in 2nd place and was the highest-placed American guitarist.   The competition took place in Los Angeles, CA.

~ In August 2007, Tim was selected as one of four participants in the Los Angeles Philharmonic's new Composer Fellowship Program.   This multi-year program is "designed to help young composers develop the necessary skills to achieve excellence in music composition."    The Program is administered by the L.A. Philharmonic and is taught by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky (the L.A. Phil's Consulting Composer for New Music) and visiting guest composers.

~ Tim was awarded the first Merv Griffin Guitar Scholarship by the Young Musicians Foundation (YMF).    This scholarship is the second guitar scholarship awarded by the YMF in its history; the first was given many years ago to Christopher Parkening when he was a young guitarist.   Also, on July 23, 2007, Tim played the classical guitar, including one of his original compositions, for the YMF fundraiser, "Soundstage at the Geffen."   This event included performances by jazz virtuoso Jack Sheldon & his big band and Grammy nominee Patti Austin.   The YMF is an organization that works to provide performance opportunities, financial assistance, and outreach programming to young musicians.  The event was held at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

~ Tim was selected to perform at the Honors Recital of The Colburn School of Performing Arts, held on June 3, 2007.    He played two pieces by Russian composer Nikolai Medtner.    The Honors Recital featured ten performers, three of which were pianists.

~ Tim is a winner of the 2007 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award!    These Awards were created to encourage talented young composers of ages 30 and under.  Tim submitted his composition "Fuerza" for consideration, and it was among over 600 scores reviewed by two ASCAP panels for the Awards.    In total, 35 young composers received these Awards this year.

~ On May 13, Tim was a winner of the 2007 Southern Califiornia Region IV Junior Bach Festival for piano.    Region IV includes the Glendale, Kern, West Los Angeles, Hollywood and San Fernando West Valley areas.

~ On May 9, 2007 Tim performed for "From The Top" at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House, which hosts families with children recovering from serious illnesses.

~ On April 15, Tim was a winner of the 2007 Glendale Branch Bach/Baroque Festival for piano.

~ Tim was a winner of the 2007 First Annual Piano Festival at The Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California.    He was the top scorer in his age category.    This year's Festival celebrated the works of J.S. Bach.

~ On March 15, 2007 Tim performed for the California Music Educators' Association conference in Ontario, CA on behalf of "From The Top" and Macmillan/McGraw-Hill.   The latter publishes music education textbooks featuring From The Top programming.   Tim will be in the new edition of these textbooks with his PBS Carnegie Hall appearance with the show.

~ Tim won 1st place at the 2007 National American String Teachers (ASTA) Solo Competition for Classical Guitar, Junior Division (ages 18 and under)!    This national-level competition was last held three years ago, so competitors were from across the nation and across the previous three-year time span (Tim won 1st place in the California State ASTA Solo Competition in 2005).    The competition took place on March 9 in Detroit, Michigan.

~ Tim performed two solo classical guitar recitals on February 13, 2007 as a part of the First Annual Santa Barbara International Guitar Festival.   The week-long festival was hosted by the Santa Barbara Symphony.

~ On February 7, 2007 Tim performed for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences annual "Grammy Salute to Classical Music" luncheon.  He played two solo classical guitar pieces including his original composition entitled "Fuerza."   This year's luncheon honors the legendary Romero family of classical guitarists.    Please go to the following site to read a Grammy article about this wonderful event and Tim's performance: http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/News/default.aspx?newsID=2371&newsCategoryID=1

~ On January 26, 2007 Tim played the guitar for a special Founders' Event at the Pasadena Museum of History.  

~ On January 20, 2007 Tim again played the guitar at the NAMM Show in Anaheim on behalf of Tornavoz Music.

~ Tim was delighted to again join the nation-wide radio program "From The Top" on January 14, 2007.   Tim played a solo classical guitar piece and performed two duets with another young performer.   Famed classical guitarist Christopher Parkening was a special guest on the show.   The program was taped live at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.   This show and Tim's segments, along with the two previous shows on which Tim appeared, all can be heard on the "From The Top" website at http://www.fromthetop.org/Programs/Performers.cfm?pid=1595.  

~ On December 10, 2006 Tim returned to the Pasadena Museum of History for its annual Holiday Open House.    Tim played the piano at this event.

~ Tim was the harpsichordist for the Colburn Chamber Orchestra at its fall concert on November 18.    The concert was held at Zipper Hall at Colburn School of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

~ On September 29, 2006 Tim performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City!   Tim played the classical guitar (and the tiniest bit of piano!) for a new PBS television series "From The Top - Live at Carnegie Hall."  This series will be the first foray into the television world by the popular radio show "From The Top."  On the show, Tim performed a solo piece, "Sevilla" by Isaac Albeniz, and also accompanied special guest famed violinist Joshua Bell and trio La Campana in a Mendelssohn piece called "May Breezes."   Tim also was interviewed by host and pianist Christopher O'Riley.  The show was taped before a live audience.

~On September 23, 2006 Tim participated in a master class given by renowned classical guitarist Christopher Parkening at Pepperdine University.  Tim performed and received instruction from Mr. Parkening on the pieces "Sevilla" by Isaac Albeniz and "Reflections," a piece that Tim composed in August 2006.

~ On September 16, 2006 Tim played a solo classical guitar benefit concert in Austin, Texas for the Austin Classical Guitar Society.   The concert was the first event of the Society's 2006-2007 International Concert Series and was followed by a lovely reception.

~ Tim was a finalist, taking 2nd place, in the Parkening International Young Guitarist Competition.  Tim was both the highest-placed American guitarist and the youngest of the eleven semi-finalists chosen to compete.   First place went to an 18-year-old guitarist from Beijing.   The day-long competition consisted of two rounds, with the five finalists playing a total of six pieces.   The competition was held on May 30, 2006 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.

~ On April 18, 2006 Tim played six solo classical guitar pieces at Guitarra Del Mar's "Guitar Night" in South Pasadena.

~ On March 26, 2006 Tim was a winner of the Southern California Junior Bach Festival in piano at the branch level -- a nice start in his first foray into the world of piano competitions!

~ On March 18, 2006 Tim returned to the Loyola Marymount University Guitar Festival's Young Artists Showcase Concert as a classical guitar soloist.

~ On March 10, 2006 Tim was honored at the California Music Educators' Association (CMEA) Annual Convention in Sacramento, CA for winning the 2005 California ASTA State Solo Competition for classical guitar.   Tim performed at the Showcase Recital there and was presented with his prize at a ceremony and reception.

~ On January 21, 2006 Tim performed at the 104th annual NAMM Show on behalf of Tornavoz Music, the world's leading supplier of nylon string guitars and accessories.  The NAMM Show is a convention of international music product manufacturers and dealers.

~ On December 11, 2005, Tim played both the classical guitar and piano at the Pasadena Museum of History's annual Holiday Open House.  Tim's appearance was also featured on local cable Channel 56's "Crown City News" television program.

~Tim placed second in the Guitar Foundation of America Youth Competition held in Oberlin, Ohio.  The competition was the GFA's first annual international youth competition and was held on October 21 and 22, 2005.

~ Tim won first place in the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) California State Solo Competition for classical guitar in the Youth Division!   That Division includes guitarists up to and including 18 years of age (Tim was then 12 years old).   In the competition, which was held in San Diego on October 16, 2005, Tim competed for the State championship against other regional classical guitar competition winners and top finalists.   Tim qualified for the State competition through his first place finish in the Aron Green / ASTA Solo Competition for the Greater Los Angeles Area in April 2005. 

~ On August 14, 2005 Tim played both the classical guitar and piano at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena before an audience of approximately 800 people.   Tim also debuted his original piano composition entitled "Papilio."   The performance was a part of the Pavilion's Summer Concert Series.  

~ On April 19, 2005 Tim played the classical guitar at Guitarra Del Mar's "Guitar Night" in South Pasadena and was recognized as a first place winner of the Aron Green / ASTA Classical Guitar Competition (see April 2 entry below).  

~ On April 15, 2005, Tim provided the evening's musical entertainment for the Financial Lawyers' Conference in Indian Wells, California.

~ On April 2, 2005, Tim was the 1st place winner in the Youth Division for the 2005 Aron Green / ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Classical Guitar Competition for the Greater Los Angeles area!   The top prize in the competition was a beautiful Antonio Loriente guitar, which was to be awarded to either the winner of the Youth Division (ages 12-14) or Junior Division (ages 15-18), at the judges' discretion.  Tim was thrilled to win the guitar!   And he loves it!

~ On February 26, 2005, Tim performed as a classical guitar soloist in  the Youth Showcase Concert at the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Guitar Festival.  

~ Tim played two solo classical guitar and piano concerts in San Luis Obispo on December 16, 2004.  Tim enjoyed playing for and meeting the many warm and wonderful people there.

~ On December 12, 2004, Tim returned to the Pasadena Museum of History to perform for its annual Holiday Open House.  Tim played both the classical guitar and piano for this festive event. 

~ On December 5, 2004, Tim again joined "From the Top" (see below) for a very special benefit event for that radio show.   Tim was one of three young musicians invited to perform for philanthropist Mr. Gordon Getty and other friends of the radio program.   Tim played the classical guitar and was interviewed by radio show host and pianist Christopher O'Riley.  This event took place at the incredible Getty residence in San Francisco.

~ On October 1, 2004, Tim received recognition as a composer as he performed a few of his original piano compositions at the Whittier College New Music Festival.   This 3-day Festival celebrated new music compositions and composers.   Tim also performed a classical guitar piece.  The concert took place at The Shannon Center for the Performing Arts in Whittier, California.   

~ Tim was selected as one of ten "Romero Master Class Performers" for the USC Thornton School of Music "Celebration of Pepe Romero" guitar festival.   At this event, which was held on June 7-12, 2004, Tim participated in master classes taught by legendary and internationally-renowned classical guitarist Maestro Pepe Romero, a genuinely warm person and a true champion of the guitar.   Tim also attended workshops held by members of the USC classical guitar faculty.   The Celebration concluded with a Grand Finale Concert in which Tim played a solo piece and participated in the 30-guitar ensemble accompanying Maestro Romero.   Please go to the "Reviews" page of this site to check out articles on Tim's participation in this guitar festival.

~ On Saturday, April 10, 2004,  Tim was the classical guitar soloist for the Pasadena Symphony's Musical Circus concert series.   This event was entitled "Really Talented Kids."  The Musical Circus is a community outreach program of the Pasadena Symphony created to introduce young children to the enjoyment of classical music.  The event was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

~ On Friday, February 27, 2004, Tim had a solo recital in which he played the classical guitar, piano and electric guitar.   Tim also made his singing debut.   The recital took place at the Music Learning Center of Pasadena where Tim has been an electric guitar student.

~ On December 14, 2003, Tim played the classical guitar at the Pasadena Museum of History's annual Holiday Open House.   Tim's CD, "The Beginning," can be purchased at the Museum gift shop, which is located at 470 West Walnut Street in Pasadena, CA.

~ Tim's performance on the radio program "From The Top" (see entry below) was originally broadcast nationwide between November 17 - 30, 2003.   The broadcast, which is re-aired from time to time, can be heard on the web by going to www.fromthetop.org, then clicking on "Radio Show," then "Listening Library," and then clicking on the show recorded at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX.   You can also go to a biographical page on Tim by clicking on "Green Room," then "Young Musicians" and then locating Tim by name or instrument (classical guitar).

~ Tim received a wonderful review of his CD, "The Beginning,"  in November 2003 from guitarnoise.com.  That website is devoted to guitar music and guitarists.   The review was written by A-J Charron and can be read by clicking on "Reviews" above.

~ On October 18, 2003, Tim played the classical guitar and was interviewed on the very lively and highly acclaimed radio program "From The Top."   The program was taped before a live audience at a sold-out show in the 1,000-seat Allen Theater at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.   "From The Top" spotlights five young performers/ensembles in each show.  The program "showcases the nation's most exceptional pre-college age classical musicians" and is hosted by celebrated pianist Christopher O'Riley.  "From The Top" is the most popular weekly classical music program on the radio today and is broadcast on over 230 stations nationwide.   Please click on the "From The Top" link below to find out more information about that show, including a list of its broadcasting stations.

~ On September 30, 2003, Tim played the classical guitar and piano at a specially-arranged assembly for the student body, teachers and staff of The Lexington School in Lexington, Kentucky.

~ On September 29, 2003, Tim played four classical guitar pieces and was interviewed by host Michael Johnathon on the "WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour."   On that show, Tim was one of three featured performers taped live before an audience at the 300-seat Kentucky Theater in Lexington, Kentucky.  The radio show is archived and can be viewed at www.woodsongs.com, or just click on the WoodSongs link below.   Then click on the "WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour" link, click on "Archives," and click on "Show 276."  The radio program is broadcast on over 400 radio stations throughout the United States and in 32 countries.  WoodSongs' estimated audience is half a million people.

~ On September 29, 2003 Tim was a guest on WUKY-NPR 91.2 FM, a radio station broadcasting out of Lexington, Kentucky.   Tim was interviewed by host Michael Graves and played the classical guitar.

~ On September 29, Tim was a guest on the "After Noon Show," a live television show on WKYT CBS27 in Kentucky.   Tim played two classical guitar pieces in promotion of his appearance on WoodSongs.

~ On September 10, 2003, Tim had the honor of meeting and then playing for the legendary classical guitarist Pepe Romero.   Also in attendance were Bill Kanengiser (Tim's classical guitar teacher, renowned soloist, LAGQ member and USC professor) and members of the USC Classical Guitar Department faculty and students.  Tim played the classical guitar at the conclusion of a master class taught by Maestro Romero.

~ On August 10, 2003, Tim again joined Don Ho for two shows at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.   And on August 9, Tim joined Don Ho at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.  Tim played the piano in each of these shows.  Don Ho's daughter, singer Hoku, was a special guest at these shows.

~ On August 3, 2003, Tim was taped for episodes of the Hawaii-based television program "Island Beat."   This show is a multicultural music variety show, and Tim played several classical guitar and piano pieces for the program. 

~ On July 29, 30 and August 5, 2003, Tim played the classical guitar and piano at the invitation of the legendary Don Ho for the "Don Ho Show" at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Hawaii.  

~ On July 25, 2003, Tim was a featured performer at a fundraising dinner and concert at The Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu, Hawaii.   He played some classical guitar and piano pieces, including his own compositions.   The other featured performers were "Auntie" Genoa Keawe, one of Hawaii's most-celebrated vocalist, and Dr. Dale Hall.

~ Tim's CD was reviewed in the July/August edition of Minor 7th Webzine.  Please go to the "Reviews" page (linked above)to read the text of the review.   A link to Minor 7th is provided below as well.

~ In late May 2003, Tim became a classical guitar student of Bill Kanengiser.   Mr. Kanengiser is recognized as one of America's most brilliant guitarists and is an internationally-known soloist and member of the LAGQ.   He is a faculty member at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music and teaches master classes throughout the world.

~On May 11, 2003, Tim made a television guest appearance on KNBC's "Today In L.A."  Tim played the classical guitar and was interviewed by Ted Chen, the show's host.

~ An article about Tim and his music appeared in the April 27 edition of "The Sunday Star," a supplement to the newspaper, "The Pasadena Star News."   A copy of the article's text appears in the "Reviews" page of this site.