timothy cummings

Bagpipes

Teaching Artist Statement

What is your philosophy about teaching and music education?

Tim welcomes each student as a unique individual and crafts his teaching to suit, while ultimately guiding all of his students towards proficiency in learning both from written music and by ear.  There is a particular focus on music that is rooted in 'tradition', in particular the traditional dance tunes from the British Isles, northwestern Europe, and North America; and if requested, elements of sacred and classical music can be introduced as well.  Lessons are supplemented with relevant information on associated folk dances, instrument mechanics, music theory, cultural considerations, and history.  Each student, while being guided through specific traditional practices, is ultimately encouraged to find personal expression and their own unique 'voice' in their playing.

What has lead you down the path of teaching your musical specialty?

Tim has been playing the bagpipes since the age of 8.  With added experience on piano, clarinet, trumpet, and singing in choirs, he was drawn to complete his Bachelor's of Music Education (with a focus on music composition) at the College of Wooster in Ohio.  From there he taught music classes and led various ensembles at a public secondary school in New Zealand, and later completed both an Honours degree in Ethnomusicology and a Master's in Musicology, both at Victoria University of Wellington.  He then served as Artist in Residence at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts on P.E.I., Canada, before eventually settling into a multi-faceted music career in Vermont.  He has since picked up the 5-string banjo and is learning French, both of which now contribute to an unusually broad spectrum of musical interests.

What inspires you and your teaching techniques?

Tim has been influenced and inspired by musicians of all stripes, forming a personable teaching style that values tradition and learning both by ear and from the written page.  But he also believes strongly that each student should ultimately find their unique voice based upon their interests and strengths, in combination with time-tested traditional practices.  In the most holistic sense, Tim regards the art of music as a powerful healing and expressive force, one that is able to move body, mind, and spirit alike.  To this end, he gently guides his students to discover what moves them, and in doing so, how they may also touch and inspire others.

Teaching Bio

Where have you taught? Where and what do you currently teach? Where has your teaching career taken you in the world and as a profession?

Tim has been offering music tuition for more than 25 years, beginning with private bagpipe students, expanding to public school teaching in New Zealand, private and group bagpipe lessons on P.E.I. (Canada), and now both private lessons and group workshops in Vermont.  He has been an affiliate artist at Middlebury College, providing lessons and musical performances since 2008, and has taught at MCMC since its founding.  He continues to be in high demand as a bagpipe and whistle instructor, leading workshops at various camps and festivals throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia.  Tim is also a regular contributor to the Scotland-based Piping Today magazine, and he operates Birchen Music & Publishing, a cottage industry devoted to expanding the repertoire of Scottish-style bagpipes.

Performance Bio

Where have you performed and with whom? What roles did you have in your performances? If performance has not been a big part of your musical career, what are your thoughts and/or philosophy about performing?

Tim has performed, and continues to perform, extensively and in a variety of facets: initially as a member of various competitive pipe bands (including Dunedin, FL and Manawatu in NZ); then also playing bass clarinet, soprano clarinet, and trumpet in various college wind ensembles and youth orchestras; and in more recent years performing traditional Celtic and Appalachian music with fellow Middlebury College affiliate artists Pete Sutherland and Dominique Dodge.  Currently, he most appears with the Vermont/Québec-based trio Triton (with Jeremiah McLane and Alex Kehler), who not only perform concerts for festivals and house concerts alike, but also provide authentic traditional music for Breton, Balfolk, and contra dances.  From time to time he also provides music for church services and other special occasions, including college commencements.