Take Five With Tim Veeder

Meet Tim Veeder:

Tim Veeder is a professional saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, composer, arranger and educator based in the New York, NY area. Tim began playing saxophone at age eleven in his small hometown of Gloversville, in upstate NY. He attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, studying under Paul Evoskevich and Mark Vinci. He earned his Bachelor's in 2003 and his Master's in 2007, both in Music Education. Tim was a staple of the Albany music scene through 2007 playing numerous clubs, concert halls and regional events with many well-known local bands.

2007, Tim moved New York City. He has shared the stage with world-renowned musicians such as Richie Cannata, (Billy Joel), The NYPD Jazz Ensemble, Jake Hertzog (Naked Brothers Band), Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow) and Marc Ford (Black Crowes). Tim also plays frequently with actor Danny Aiello as a featured soloist, including an appearance on Mike Huckabee's national talk show.

Tim currently plays throughout the NYC area and around the nation with a number of different groups. He also teaches music at the White Plains Schools, ranked nationally as one of the "Top 100 Schools in Music Education" by the NAMM Organization and is a "National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence."

Instrument(s):

Saxophone (tenor, soprano, alto), flute, clarinet.

Teachers?

John Savage, Paul Evoskevich, Mark Vinci.

Influences?

Dexter Gordon, Joshua Redman, Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Ben Webster.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was about thirteen or fourteen. I was sitting at a festival in my home town of Gloversville, watching my cousin John wailing on a sax solo on stage.

Your sound and approach to music:

I believe that music is a vehicle of self-expression. Music should convey a message and provoke an emotional response. My sound is a combination of what I have heard, what I want to say and what emotions I am feeling.

Your teaching approach:

My philosophy on teaching parallels my philosophy on music itself. Music is a vehicle of self-expression and I truly believe that it is critical for every student to have the experience of creating music.

Your dream band:

Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Winard Harper, Victor Wooten.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?

Dexter Gordon, Live at Carnegie Hall.

The first Jazz album I bought was:

The first album I ever owned was Metallica's Black Album.

CDs you are listening to now:

Brad Mehldau, Highway Rider;

Michael Brecker, Pilgrimage;

Joe Henderson, In 'n Out;

Dexter Gordon, The Complete Trio & Quartet Studio Recordings;

Dave Matthews Band, Live Trax Volume 15.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

Children! Getting the younger generation excited and interested in jazz is the only way to keep this art form alive and growing.

By Day:

Middle School Band Teacher.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:

Hockey Player.

Photo Credit

Courtesy of Tim Veeder.