Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Tim Lelen
Hi I’m Tim!
I teach piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele. I started playing music on the piano at 12 years old. Thanks to my amazing teacher I got a solid foundation in classical piano, guitar playing, and music theory. Over the years I’ve played in a variety of bands, enjoying writing music together and playing shows. I continue to learn new ways to express myself, improve my playing, and have fun through creative practice.
I’ve taught for about 10 years from toddlers to retirees at various skill levels–from those with no experience to active musicians, preparing for the next recital or the next gig, and helping artists expand their expressive possibilities with music. I offer personalized lessons tailored to student goals and interests using music that is exciting and meaningful to them. I aim to provide a space to learn, explore, create, and express while cultivating excellent practice methods and technical competence on the instrument.
I’m looking forward to working with you!
When did you begin playing Piano, and why?
There was always music in the house growing up. I began piano lessons in 6th grade after years of my father offering to teach me guitar. I remember telling my mom I wanted to play songs I heard on the car radio on the piano. I think that gave her the idea and I started on piano lessons as a Christmas present. I was very nervous to start but in seemingly no time I was playing music. Thank you to my parents and my music teacher Dr. Charles Frantz!
What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?
In high school, I began guitar lessons along with piano, learning to play even more of the music that I was listening to. I’ve played in bands as lead and rhythm, writing, creating, and enjoying the instrument. I’ve also played bass in a few bands–more writing, covers, and fun creating. I can always pick up a ukulele and make cheery tunes. And I’m getting pretty great at air drums while listening to music at the gym. Now if I could just get on a kit more often!
What are your personal goals as a musician?
To keep learning! Always learning new repertoire to experience new ways of playing. Writing and cultivating creative practice. Finding new emotions to express and explore.
Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked? Something you’ll remember forever?
I remember when music theory really started to sink in for me. I could see the whole organization of all the notes and chords in my mind and on the guitar neck or across the keys. And it was amazingly contained in just a few concepts. With that understanding, I could play anywhere on the instrument and it meant I could expand to other instruments and learn songs more easily.
What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?
It still sticks with me being told to “play a scale like it’s a song”. I think this captures the idea to do something simple and foundational well as a point of practice and to treat it with care and attention and purpose which affects all your playing.
What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?
Somewhere along the way I learned the full version of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”. There are some big chords which were new to me, and big jumps across the keys. My hands hurt and I was tense and frustrated and angry with the piece. I had to do something different to play it with ease and musicality. It really drove home the need to slow down and work out the issues and play from relaxation.
What is your biggest musical achievement?
I think getting over a lot of fear of playing music in groups. When I was younger I really had no idea what to do or what the “right” thing to play together with other people was. How do I make something that sounds good? What is good? What do I think sounds good? And then group playing became this great creative space where you can get things wrong and try things and experiment alongside other people. Take the music somewhere interesting. Follow it somewhere interesting. It’s such a great opportunity to connect and create.
Favorite thing about teaching?
There’s so many things! Seeing the light bulb go off when a concept clicks and there is clarity or the music really starts to flow is great. Also the steady incremental gains in students week to week. Getting to know someone through the medium and playing, seeing their work ethic and what matters to them in the music, and how their growth on the instrument echoes out into their lives.
What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?
Beyond structured practice, it’s important to leave room for exploration and experimentation. Just try things and see where it takes you. Also, listen to new music!
Personal music projects:
At the time of writing this I’m working on a mash up of the happy theme from The Office TV show and the dark Requiem for a Dream movie score that then turns into a ragtime and finally ends peacefully. It’s fun to play, kind of ridiculous, and even covers an interesting emotional arc.