Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Young.
Hi Tim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in middle school, not with piano, but with drums. I was that kid in marching band, jazz ensemble, orchestra—you name it. But somewhere around my sophomore year of high school, I started messing around with the piano, playing by ear at first. Once I started formal lessons, I was hooked. That turned into a lifelong love for the instrument and eventually led me to earn degrees in jazz studies from Shenandoah University and the University of North Texas.
After grad school, I joined the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors in 1998 and spent over 20 years touring and performing as a professional jazz pianist. I played with incredible groups like the Boston Pops and the National Symphony Orchestra—and got to serve my country through music. But while I was performing, I never lost sight of another dream: to teach.
That dream took root during a college arts management class, where I first heard the idea of building a home piano studio. Years later, I brought it to life. I started out teaching private jazz piano lessons from my home in Columbia, Maryland—first just on a portable keyboard, then eventually upgrading to a baby grand piano in a bedroom-turned-studio. I built the business slowly through word-of-mouth, then launched my LLC officially in 2011.
When the pandemic hit, I had to pivot fast—investing in cameras, microphones, and a sound system so I could teach online. That shift helped me reach students all across the country and opened the door to what I’m working on now: building a full-scale online group coaching program for aspiring jazz artists.
Everything I’ve done—performing, teaching, mentoring—has been guided by one mission: to impact lives through music and community. Whether it’s a student preparing for college auditions or a fellow artist trying to find their voice, I help people move beyond practice and step into their artistry. That’s the heart of my work, and that’s how I got to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges for me was balancing two demanding worlds at the same time: serving full-time as a touring pianist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, while also building and running my own private teaching studio back home in Maryland. I’d be on the road performing across the country, sometimes internationally, and then come back and switch gears into teaching mode—lesson planning, working with students, running the business side of things. It took serious discipline, late nights, and a real love for both service and education to make it work.
Then came the pandemic, and everything flipped overnight. My in-person lessons had to stop, and I had to decide quickly whether I was going to pause the business or pivot. I chose to pivot—and that meant investing in cameras, microphones, lighting, all the tech I needed to teach online. It was a big learning curve, but it ended up being a blessing. Going virtual allowed me to expand beyond my local area and teach students from all over the U.S. It also pushed me to think bigger about how to scale—leading to the development of the online group mentorship program I’m building now.
None of this was easy. There were moments where I felt stretched thin—between my military commitments, business responsibilities, and still trying to show up for my own music and family. But each challenge forced me to level up. I learned to operate with a long-term mindset, adapt quickly, and stay rooted in my mission: to use music and mentorship to empower others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a jazz pianist, composer, educator, and founder of Young’s School of Gospel and Jazz Piano, LLC, based in Columbia, Maryland. My specialty is teaching and mentoring students in mostly African-American musical styles—especially jazz, gospel, and funk. I work with aspiring musicians who want to move beyond the basics and truly find their voice through improvisation, theory, and stylistic fluency.
I’m probably best known for being able to meet students where they are musically, while helping them get to where they want to go—whether that’s preparing for college auditions, exploring jazz for the first time, or learning how to play by ear. I’ve had students earn scholarships, awards, and even become professional musicians or educators themselves. That’s honestly what I’m most proud of—seeing their growth and knowing I played a part in that journey.
What really sets my work apart is what and how I specifically teach. There aren’t many places where students can get dedicated instruction in jazz piano—not just classical or pop music, but authentic jazz instruction. I integrate multiple styles (jazz, gospel, funk, Latin) and personalize each student’s experience. I also bring over 30 years of experience as both a performer and educator—including two decades performing with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors.
Right now, I’m transitioning from private lessons to a new group coaching model designed for early-career jazz artists. I want to help them move beyond just “practicing” and into a space where they can truly step into their artistry with guidance, structure, and community.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As a jazz and gospel musician, I keep a rotation of YouTube channels I deeply respect—creators like Sean Wilson, Deyquan Bowens, Pretty Simple Music, and The Gifted Hands consistently share high-level content that’s both inspiring and practical. These channels keep me sharp, especially when it comes to gospel harmony, arrangement, and improvisational approaches
I also spend time on platforms like JazzHeaven, YousicPlay, Open Studio Jazz, and ArtistWorks. These are fantastic for deeper study and keeping my chops fresh.
On the business and mindset side, books like Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner have shaped how I approach the piano with freedom rather than fear. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell and The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy have helped me grow as a teacher, coach, and community leader. I also revisit The 12 Traits of the Greats by Dr. Dave Martin when I need a boost in focus or faith
As for tools—I’m a fan of I-Real Pro for practicing, Zoom and StreamYard for teaching and livestreaming, GoHighLevel and Mighty Networks for managing my CRM and growing my mentorship community, and Canva for quick, clean visuals. I’ve also started using Opus Clip to repurpose video content and The 12 Week Year framework to keep my goals focused and time-bound
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thetimyoung.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysopinternational/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youngsocietyofoutstandingp3299
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tyoungmusic
