Saxophonist/composer Tim Shaghoian was born in Fresno, California and currently resides in Los Angeles. Soft-spoken yet resolute, Tim has developed a unique voice as an improviser and composer. In March of 2020, he released his debut album as a leader, Gentle Beacons, on Origin’s OA2 Records. Gentle Beacons features 9 of Tim’s original compositions and a creative reimagining of the beloved jazz standard My Foolish Heart. All About Jazz called the release “a well-crafted work of modern jazz.” Over the past year, Tim has focused on releases with smaller instrumentation. The most recent of which is his single, Magnolia, which combines layered saxophones and drums.

Tim holds a Master of Arts degree in Jazz Performance from California State University, Fresno. During his time at CSU Fresno, Tim held a teaching associate position in the jazz studies program where he instructed small ensembles, a large ensemble, and ear training. He also holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he studied with modern jazz luminary Peter Epstein.

Tim is passionate about music education, which has been an important part of his life since a very early age. He is currently on the adjunct faculty for Los Angeles College of Music and Clovis Community College. He was the co-director and accompanist for the Kastner Intermediate School jazz choir from 2016-2021 and was on the Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop faculty from 2018-2020, instructing some of the central valley’s most promising young musicians. In addition, Tim has served on the board of directors for La Sierra Creative Arts Camp, where he teaches woodwinds and improvisation. Over the last number of years, Tim has mentored numerous young jazz musicians and composers through private instruction and workshops.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Jazz Performance | California State University, Fresno
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance | University of Nevada, Reno

SIMILAR FACULTY