An Interview with Timothy De Prey

Timothy De Prey is a Minneapolis-based pianist, teacher, and composer whose music grows directly out of his studio, written to spark the interest and motivation of the students he teaches. Trained in music therapy at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and holding a master’s in piano from the University of Minnesota, he draws on decades of performing across styles, from baroque to Broadway. Coming Home marks his very first publication with Alfred Music.

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

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve been inspired to compose music for my students. I searched for music that would connect with their interests and motivate them to keep playing the piano, and finally I decided to try my hand at writing it myself.

Q: Who has shaped how you think about music?

The wide variety of musical styles and genres I’ve performed and studied have shaped how I think about music. I’ve performed and studied everything from Baroque to contemporary, including jazz, Broadway, and pop.

Q: What was the first piece you wrote that made you think, “I might actually be onto something here”?

I wrote a few pieces in high school and college, but to be honest, “Coming Home” was my first serious attempt at composition. Since writing that piece, I’ve written about fifteen additional pieces for my students.

Q: What’s the hardest creative problem you’ve had to solve, and how did you get through it?

I asked my students to give me the title of the piece they’d like me to write at their level. Having a title to work with became my inspiration — I think it can be difficult to write a piece without a general theme or direction to start from.

Q: How has your compositional voice changed over the years?

My compositional voice is still new. Every piece I’ve written is completely different in style and genre — a result of decades of being exposed to such a wide variety of music.

Q: If there were a soundtrack for your life right now, what would it be?

My next chapter — expressing my inner voice.

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

I’m based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My teaching and my performing both influence my work.

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

It’s a mix of performing, teaching, and composing — including practicing, which is where I spend the majority of my time. I wish I had more time to compose, but I’m working on that.

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 studied music therapy at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and earned a master’s in piano at the University of Minnesota. I don’t think any of my formal training helped me to compose — other than my music theory classes. I figured it out by listening and being exposed to different styles and genres.

Q: Did you grow up in a musical household?

The rule in our household was that we had to take piano lessons until we were freshmen in high school. I thank my mother for that every day.

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

This is my very first publication!

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

Performing, teaching, and composing — together they are my musical life.

Q: What’s a type of piece or repertoire gap you think the industry still hasn’t figured out?

My goal is to write interesting and motivating music for students of all ages and abilities. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right repertoire to really “hook” a student.

Q: What do you want your body of work to add up to?

I want to write a piece for each of my students — to give them a sense of ownership, pride, and motivation.

Q: Is there a favorite piece of yours that may not be your most popular work but resonates strongly with you?

I have a few other pieces I’m very proud of that will hopefully be available soon: “Gigue,” “Pine Tree Rag,” “A Grandparent’s Love,” “Cherry Blossoms in DC,” and “A Day in the Rockies.” Stay tuned!

Browse Timothy’s titles on Alfred Music and bring something meaningful to your next lesson or recital.

👉 Shop Timothy De Prey on Alfred Music