As a writer, I write and record songs for Songs of Love . I am a writer for Columbia River Records. And one of my side projects is that i write and record custom songs for individuals and special occasions. "My Space Girl" is an example of that. I also write and record songs for use in TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games.
As a live performer, I am a freelance bassist. Some notable artists that I have performed with are Ry Cooder, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Mark Lindsey , Jeff Healey, Jimmy Thackery, Geoff Achison's Souldigger Band, Collin James, Robbie Laws, Paul DeLay, Terry Evans, Jim Mesi and D.K. Stewart. I also perform with local area worship teams and work as a session bassist in local area studios.
I teach bass, guitar, mandolin, music theory, and studio recording procedures at Ape Over Music and my home, both located in Vancouver, Washington.
When I'm not working, I spend my time with my son Timothy, my girlfriend Paula, her children Blaine, Jordan, and Randi, and my parents Tim and Linda. In the summer I enjoy riding my Honda Spirit motorcycle with Paula, and fishing and camping with my family. I am an insatiable reader and some of my favorite authors include Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Michael Crichton.
Timmers Rules
The habits you build will play a large role in your success. These are some examples of good habits that will remove barriers to your success.
1) Learn your instrument inside and out. Your natural ability is God's gift to you, how you develop it is your gift to God.
2) If you are getting paid to play, buy professional gear. Why should anyone pay to hear you wank on a 2X4 with four strings amplified by an old Radio Shack stereo with a blown speaker?
3) If you have a conscience, live by it. If you don't have a conscience, get one. Treat people with the same respect that you expect to be treated with.
4) Network, network, network. Most of your band and gig referrals will come from people who know you and like you.
5) Treat every gig like it's important, no matter how low the pay or how poor the turnout. You never know who is watching you and how they can affect your career.
6) Guard your reputation with your life. Most of the first time calls that you receive will be based on your reputation, not your abilities. A great reputation is money in the bank. A bad reputation is a career lost. More people will know you by your reputation than by your playing.
7) Set short term and long term goals for yourself. Not just in your playing but where you want your career to go. It will help to keep you focused and heading in the right direction. You can always change your goals as your needs and desires change. Also, remember to set new goals as you achieve the ones that you have already set.
8) Treat your musical career like you would any other career that you care about.
9) Always be on time and have a clear head. Drugs and alcohol do not enhance your performance, they impede it.
10) Don't be afraid to jump into a totally new musical style or genre. You will learn faster when your gig depends on it.
11) Choose your friends wisely and don't make enemies. Well chosen friends with similar values can not only enhance your musical career but they can make the whole business much more enjoyable. There is nothing to gain by making enemies. If you don't like someone, you don't have to play with them when they call. By badmouthing them, you only represent yourself poorly and open the door for others to bad mouth you.
12) Know your strengths and weaknesses. Use your strengths to your advantage and always try to improve on your weaknesses. But do not point out your weaknesses to others. If you don't say anything, they might not notice. But if you point it out, you can be sure that they will be aware of it.
13) Try and find something good in every musician that you hear. No matter how many weaknesses or flaws a player has, everyone has at least one strong point. Look for the good and point it out. It will make others feel good about their playing.
14) Always have a business card ready to hand to anyone that wants it. They don't cost very much and they make a good impression.
15) Always have a current resume available. If you don't have one already, it might take a little time to get it done, but it's worth it. And once it's done, it is very easy to keep updated. It helps you to track your progress and remember where you have been and how far you have come.
16) If you want something, go for it. You never know whether or not you can get that endorsement deal or make it into that top level band unless you try. Sometimes you have to jump through some hoops, but in the end, it will be worth it if you achieve your goals.
17) Never pass up an opportunity without first weighing it against your goals. You never know what something can turn into. And you never know what connections you might make. (see rule 5)
18) Don't be lazy. Nothing worth having is achieved without lots of hard work. You will get out of your music career what you put into it.
19) Don't be too critical of beginners or lesser players. We all started the same way. And where would we be today if those who were better than us didn't lend us their support and patience?
20) Always be aware of your sound, volume, and appearance. All of these things have a direct impact on your reputation.
21) Utilize all of the resources available to you. The internet is a good example of an underutilized resource. You can establish a monthly mailing list, build a web page, and make contacts all over the world, all at very little or no expense.
22) Play with as many different people as you can. It keeps you on your toes and teaches you how to be versatile.