We promote wellness through music education + performance

Scott purchased Tim’s Music from his good friend Tim Lawrence in 2005. He expanded it from a standard combo music store to include repairs, lessons, and more band and orchestra oriented instrument sales and rentals. He also expanded services to include road services and educational programs at local schools, bringing the business in line with his vision: to promote wellness in society through music education and performance.

“Whether we’re turning screws and straightening bent keys or selling students the correct accessories for their journey, positively influencing people is really where my passions lie.”

He has played the euphonium for over 50 years.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of music and piano performance. She taught piano lessons privately for 35 years before she and Scott bought Tim’s Music. Melissa has served as president of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), Sierra branch, and is currently on the Certificate of Merit council for the state MTAC organization. She has sung in a women's ensemble for 27 years.

“I love that music is so unifying. For example, we have a ukulele student who's turning 90. Now her granddaughters and daughters have all purchased ukuleles and prepared to play “Singin’ in the Rain” for her 90th birthday! I just love that it gives them something so positive and wonderful to do together.”

In the music business for almost 30 years, Tim has successfully cultivated relationships with local and national musicians as well as most leading instrument and audio manufacturers. An established leader in the Sacramento music scene, Tim has worked and collaborated with Producers, Artists, Promoters and Educators in helping to bring musical instruments and equipment into the hands of new and experienced musicians. The resident string expert at Tim’s Music, he has played and performed violin for over 40 years and is well versed in string product knowledge. When not at Tim’s Music, you will find Tim continuing his studies in the Martial Way or spending time with his family.

“Promoting wellness in society through music education and performance is ingrained in everything that we do from the ground up. It’s what drives this whole company.”

Jim oversees sales, marketing, and educational outreach for all the schools. He handles all aspects of instrument repairs from schools—from outreach, to bids and pricing, to pickup and delivery. He also purchases the store’s inventory from the manufacturers.

For over 20 years, Jim was a Banditsmith representative. While calling on stores to offer instruments, he met Scott, and the two became friends. When Scott opened up the new Tim’s Music facility, Jim saw an opportunity to join Scott and help him build the business into what it is today.

“Everyone here is trained to step into the shoes of the client. We’re here to help.”

Joshua, a Renton Technical College graduate, is an expert in brass and woodwind repair. He operated the band and orchestra repair department at another local store for three years, later moving to New Orleans to pursue his dream of playing trombone. Joshua worked as a technician at Uptown Music Exchange prior to joining the repair team at Tim’s Music. In his free time Josh loves to spend time with his wife and play trombone with his friends and fans! If you are out and about you might see Josh ripping on stage at any local venue.

“The coolest thing about repair is bringing an instrument back to life—especially an instrument that’s close to someone’s heart.”

Kennedy graduated from Sacramento State University with two Bachelors of Music in French Horn performance and music education. After training with Scott for four years, Kennedy joined the Tim's Music team in 2021, and now splits his time between repairing brass instrument and working as a sales associate on the floor.

“If you have an instrument that doesn't work, it's not a fun time. So the main thing we do for people is ease their pain.”

Korryn has been with Tim's Music since 2016 where she is an apprentice in the repair shop. She graduated from Sacramento State's School of Music in 2016 where she played clarinet, trombone, and saxophone in some of the various ensembles. Korryn also taught elementary school band for 3 years. When she isn't wearing a blue polo you can find her playing trombone at the Sacramento Republic games, doing photography, or spending time with family and friends.

“The thing that I like the most about my job is the impact it has on the person. When they go out into the world to interact with other people, they can spread that happiness.”

Taylor recently graduated from Renton Technical College in Seattle, Washington. He has an extensive musical background, having worked with Sacramento musicians from the Duke of Corps and teaching students from 4th–6th grade at many schools in the Sacramento community. He became interested in instrument repair after witnessing many students being held back by the instruments. He joined the repair team to help struggling students whose instruments didn’t function their best.

Taylor plays saxophone and clarinet.

“I love being able to be part of someone’s journey, to be part of making their horns better and give them a better experience.”

Christian Rittmann comes from a family of musicians. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has played the trumpet for almost 40 years, performing in the Sacramento Youth Band and Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also toured the Netherlands with the Big M.I.L. Band. Most recently, Christian was a member of the Ophir Prison Marching Band and the Alpentanzer Schuplattler, a Sacramento-based Bavarian-Austrian folk music group.

Christian joined Tim’s Music in 2013, where he enjoys sharing his music passion and knowledge for music and brass instruments to all who visit the store.

A composer, tubist, and music educator, Portia holds Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition and theory from the University of California, Davis, and a double master's degree in music composition and tuba performance from California State University Sacramento. With over 7 years of beginning band and 17 years of private lesson experience, Ms. Njoku has taught numerous students of all ages and experience levels. She can help students with fundamentals, technique, breathing, etc., especially when converting from another instrument. Students needing help preparing for an audition or performance will have a wonderful time working with her.

Ms. Njoku believes that music should always be fun and makes sure that her positive experience that stays with them for years to come.

Kirsten Price has a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music from Arizona State University and a Master of Music Education from CSU Sacramento. She retired in 2021 from teaching music in the San Juan Unified School District where she taught elementary music, band, and choir. Kirsten has been a church choir director, choir pianist, and organist. Kirsten's flute performance experience includes playing with the Tempe (Arizona) Symphony, the Folsom Lake Symphony, and the Camellia City Flute Choir.

Kirsten teaches beginner-advanced flute, beginner-intermediate piano, and beginner Native American flute.

Corey Oiler is a dedicated freelance cellist and string instructor residing in Sacramento, CA. He currently holds a Performer's Certificate and Master's of Music in Cello Performance from Sacramento State University and earned Bachelor's degrees in Music Performance and Publication Writing and Design from Graceland University.

Corey's passionate and sensitive playing has been featured in many ensembles including The Vuletich Troka Piano Trio, Opera Modesto, Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra, and many more. He is adaptable to different styles and cultures, and has even organized and performed in a non-profit called Music Beyond Borders, which was dedicated to the pursuit of cultural unity.

Corey has studied with great cellists such as Andrew Luchansky, Dana Woolard-Hughlett, and Thalia Moore. He has performed in master classes for Rhonda Rider, Eliot Bailen, and Jeffrey Zeigler. Corey was the principal cellist throughout his time at Graceland University and completed the last two year of his academic experience playing principal in the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra.

In his free time Corey enjoys playing for retirement communities and has developed a relationship with Eskaton, the leading retirement home organization in Sacramento. He also founded a nonprofit music organization called Music Beyond Boarders that has a highly successful season of performances featuring guest artists representing many cultural backgrounds .

Michael is a composer, guitarist, and educator based in the Sacramento area. Michael currently attends CSU Sacramento and hopes to graduate in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition. Originally from Los Angeles, Michael has had numerous years of development as a musician. In Middle School, he started out on Violin, switched to Viola, and promptly switched back to the Violin. During his High School years, Michael spent most of his time in the recording studio laying down tracks for other musicians. At that time, he found his love for the guitar. In college, Michael studied guitar with Steve Homan and composition with Dr. Scott Perkins, Dr. Stephen Blumberg, and Chris Castro. He also sang with the University Chorale at Sacramento State. Michael started composing at the age of 14. He placed 2nd in the 2019 FeNam Composers competition and wrote the score for two award-winning short films.

Michael spends his days teaching lessons at Tim’s Music, composing, and showing up to jam sessions in the area. In addition, he plays at Carmichael Presbyterian Church on Sundays.

I am a music teacher with 30 years of experience in private piano and voice lessons, teaching and inspiring numerous students of all ages and levels. I speak English, Portuguese, Spanish and basic Russian. I started to play the piano when I was seven years old, and my beloved piano teacher inspired and motivated me to
continue my studies of classical piano and voice.

My goal is to keep inspiring and motivating students with creative teaching skills and to instill in them the love of music to last a lifetime!

Cody Bennett is a teacher, composer, and performer from Medford, Oregon. Cody received his B.A. in Music and Business from Southern Oregon University in 2009, where he played in many chamber groups and ensembles, including the famous Ashland City Band. Cody has played professionally with several groups including the California Youth Symphony and the Golden State Wind Ensemble, and has participated in master-classes and workshops including the CALCAP chamber music workshop.

In 2011, Cody relocated to Sacramento to pursue a master’s degree in composition. During his time at the university, Cody wrote and performed in several pieces for various ensembles and instrumentations, including works for voice with original text, jazz orchestra, strings, and wind ensemble.

Cody currently resides in downtown Sacramento and has been teaching all brass instruments privately in the area for several years. Cody specializes in Trumpet, Trombone and French Horn lessons at Tim's Music.