At just 13 years old, Timmy Phelan has already established himself as a budding pianist with an insatiable passion for music. Gifted with an innate musical talent, Timmy's journey began with a small keyboard gifted by his beloved grandmother, affectionately known as Mame. What started as a playful imitation of piano tunes on the dining table has now evolved into a dedicated pursuit of excellence in music.
Timmy's journey into the world of music took a significant turn when Mame gifted him a compact keyboard with 61 keys. From the moment he laid his hands on the instrument, his musical journey gained momentum. The first song he learned, "Still Dre," marked the beginning of a lifelong fascination with music. The guidance of Sarasota Baptist's music director, Shawn Gross, played a pivotal role in shaping Timmy's musical ambitions. Through eight solo performances at the church's singing Christmas tree, Shawn's mentorship instilled in Timmy a deep love for music, blending skill with humor.
Timmy's musical tastes span across genres and generations, showcasing his appreciation for diverse talents. Among his favorite musicians are legends like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Van Halen, and classical maestro Mozart. His love for Elton John's "Your Song" and the intricate compositions of Mozart, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky reflect his eclectic musical palette.
Home-schooled and well-versed in efficient time management, Timmy dedicates significant hours to perfecting his piano skills. With the ability to allocate up to five hours a day to practice, he delves into his passion while ensuring his academic responsibilities are fulfilled. This commitment has allowed him to conquer challenging pieces like "Great Fairy Fountain" from the video game Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Timmy's dedication to his craft is evident in his determination to master this complex piece, which features a polyrhythm. Despite the initial difficulty, he persisted until the piece became second nature. His performances, both in front of an audience and on social media, evoke a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, he has learned to channel those feelings into his playing, letting the music transcend the anxiety.
Among Timmy's cherished memories is a recent performance at the Music Compound, where he flawlessly played four songs, concluding with a rocking rendition of "Freebird." The audience's energy and his own comfort on stage fueled a memorable experience. This energy has been accelerated by his growing online presence, where he shares his music with a broad audience.
Timmy's journey is punctuated by a trio of mentors who have shaped his path. Taylor Galford, his current music teacher at Music Compound, introduces him to music theory and the art of collaboration. Shawn Gross, his initial inspiration, instilled the love for music that propels him forward. Timmy's mother, Megan, also plays a crucial role, supporting him in both writing music and being his biggest fan. “He is such a gift. Whenever I am upset, he will say ‘watch this’ and play Cornfield Chase or Snowfall and whatever it was that was bothering me goes away. He finds fulfillment in knowing that his music brings joy to others while reciprocating the positivity they provide him. I want him to dream big.”
And that he is. At just 13 years old, he dreams of playing at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl, Dodgers Stadium, and Wembley, and he has already shown remarkable dedication to his craft, thrilling audiences with his performances. With a unique approach to learning and an unwavering desire to improve, Timmy's aspirations of gracing renowned stages are undoubtedly within reach. As he continues to evolve as a musician, his story serves as an inspiration to young talents aspiring to make their mark on the world of music.
He is such a gift. He finds fulfillment in knowing that his music brings joy to others while reciprocating the positivity they provide him. I want him to dream big.