About Tim Kelly

My name is Tim and I work at the Birmingham Bailey Brothers Music and Arts location. I performed in church choir from a very early age and seemed to have a natural understanding of music. At age 13, I was inspired to learn guitar when watching Jimi Hendrix play the national anthem in the video of Woodstock. I was self taught, but was lucky to have some friends who had been playing to give me some guidance early on. I took two years of a music major curriculum in college, focusing on classical guitar,  but realized Rock and Roll was my true passion, so I finished with a degree in Sociology.

 Over the years I have played in many bands, primarily guitar, but also played bass for a few bands. I have recorded many times, both my own material, and as a musician for other songwriters. My true passion is playing live. The experience of playing in front of a live audience, the back- and -forth that musicians have with the crowd is what makes performing so much fun for me. I would imagine its like the difference between film and stage for actors. 

  Working at a music store was a perfect fit for me. Being able to offer advice from real world experience with instruments and equipment is something I feel I can offer genuinely to up-and-coming musicians seeking guidance. The joy of seeing others starting down the path of music, and being able to offer tips and tricks to help them down that path is very rewarding. 

  I have had many guitars and basses over the years ( both electric and acoustic ), and it feels impossible to pick a favorite (variety is the spice of life!). The guitar I have had the longest and probably played for the longest time is a 1989 Kramer Stagemaster I got when I graduated High School many moons ago. I played that guitar exclusively for 5 or 6 years after I got it, and was lucky enough to play it onstage at the world famous Roxy in Los Angeles.

  If I were to claim any musical superpower, it would probably be as "music director" in some of the bands I've played in. Whether on guitar or bass, my background in music theory and years as an enthusiastic listener help me guide the band ( and myself) when writing songs, or learning existing hits and arranging them for live performance. Working with other musicians is a skill set all its own, regardless of your talent or musical ability, and its something I have continually tried to master as a working musician.