An Interview with Tim Hayden

Tim Hayden is a Nashville-based composer, arranger, orchestrator, and recording producer who has called Music City home since 1984. Self-taught beyond early instrumental lessons, he built his craft by doing, listening, and experimenting, and has been creating music for Alfred Music for nearly 20 years.

Q: How did you first discover your passion for composing?

In High School. I started playing keyboards in a rock band and accompanying the choirs, but the thing that really lit me up was musical theater.

Q: Who has shaped how you think about music?

James Haygood the choir director at my High School. He is the biggest influence on me as a musician. He allowed me to try my hand at arranging for the choirs, too.

Q: What's the hardest creative problem you've ever had to solve in your work, and how did you get through it?

A project called "SHIVERS" that I co-wrote with Henry Cory. All Halloween music and we recorded it at my studio, Ned's Place Recording. It was my first big project.

Q: How has your compositional voice changed over the years? Is there anything you used to believe about writing music that you've since changed your mind on?

Like everything else, it evolves. I've written for choirs and children's musicals for Alfred publishing and others. I've written Christian songs for my own albums. I've also written and recorded music for theater, massage therapy, instrumental groove-based jazz, music for 3am. It seems like there is no end to the inspiration out there.

Q: Do you have a favorite piece on Alfred.com? What was the spark behind it?

Probably The Journey because it was my first. It was also the song that got me “in the door” creating accompaniment tracks for Alfred Music.

Q: Where are you based, and how does your environment influence your work?

Nashville, TN since 1984. The main thing that I get from being in Nashville is the talent pool that is available. Literally anything I've ever needed for a recording, I've found here.

Q: How do you spend most of your working hours?

Mostly recording. Orchestrating and arranging are a very close second.

Q: Where did you study, and how much of what you do today traces back to your formal training versus what you figured out on your own?

I didn't go to college. Everything I do I learned by doing and listening and experimenting. Except that I took piano, organ and trombone lessons until 9th grade.

Q: Did you grow up in a musical household, or did music find you some other way?

No, music found me through rock & roll and High School musical theater.

Q: How long have you been publishing with Alfred, and how did that relationship start?

Probably close to 20 years. I started with Jay Althouse and Sally Albrecht, but I believe it was Andy Beck who called me, after hearing a song I co-wrote called The Journey. He called to find out who did the track and when I said that “I did,” he simply asked if I wanted some work. Of course I said "yes!"

Q: Outside of composing, is there another role in music that's been just as central to who you are?

I do more recording, arranging and orchestrating for Alfred than anything. Aside from that I've been a music director in a few churches for almost 30 years.

Browse Tim's titles on Alfred Music and bring something meaningful to your next concert or rehearsal.

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