Tim McDonald Bio

At the young age of five, Tim McDonald embarked on a musical journey that throughout time has granted him countless opportunities to recognize and perfect his talents within. He started formal piano lessons and his abilities were quickly recognized. By age nine, he was a member of the distinguished Classical Guild Society. He continued classical training throughout his teen years.

Tim attended college at Montreat Anderson on a soccer scholarship where he studied music theory and taught himself other genres of music such as Jazz, Blues, Funk and Alternative. Subsequently, Tim left college and enlisted in the US Army where he joined the Army Band following a successful piano audition. Graduating with honors, Tim attended the Armed Forces School of Music and was tagged with a special skill identifier that afforded him the opportunity to join a special band. During his tenure in the US Army, Tim continued to focus on his music. At each place he was stationed, he took complete advantage of every learning occasion. Tim continued to study music and seek out mentors. He played music and learned from great musicians such as Dave Mancini, Byron Berline, and Frank Mantooth. Later, Tim was assigned to teach piano at the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia. He performed with many bands as well as with the Virginia Symphony. He formed a Jazz Trio and recorded two independent jazz albums where he wrote and arranged much of the music.

After ten years of honorable service, reaching a status of Staff Sergeant, Tim left the US Army. He moved to Nashville, TN to further his music career. He performed with local bands, played as a session artist, and commenced a focused effort on writing. For three years, Tim played piano for Country Music Legend, Mark Chesnutt. Additionally, he recorded with and/or performed with artists such as Marty Raybon, Texas artist Cory Morrow, Blake Shelton, Josh Gracin, Steve Holy, and Trent Tomlinson. Tim is also seen in the Blake Shelton video, "The More I Drink" and played on the track of Cory Morrow's video, "He Carries Me" which were both aired on CMT. Tim also played on tracks to John Rich's, "Gone Country" that aired on CMT. Tim has one of his songs, "Aargh Mr. Scarborough" featured in a Ron Brown movie, "A Perfect Fit" and is heard playing on the soundtrack in the movie, "The Last Christmas Party". Tim is featured in the, "History of Recorded Music" display in Legend's Corner as being one of the first recognized artists to have an album released on Flash Drive.

Tim is a Yamaha artist and has a new Jazz album featuring Roy Vogt on Bass and Chester Thompson on Drums. Tim is also making a concentrated effort as a Country solo artist and recently completed recording a full length album, "Lucky You", and a six track EP, "...May I Live In Your World". The music is like none other and is a total reflection of the talents of Tim McDonald. Please visit Tim's website at www.ivorytickler.com and myspace/TimMcDonaldCountry for show dates, music clips, and photos.