Exploring the Intersections Between Music & Language

Today’s guest is Tim Simmons, an educator, musician, writer, and artist living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He loves to explore the intersections between music and language. On most days, he can be found behind his beat-up old Gretsch drum kit.

Tim teaches Lower, Middle, and Upper School music at Delaware Valley Friends School where he developed the music program there based on the concept of improvisation. In addition to a course of general music classes that students throughout all three divisions can take part in, Tim offers classes in music theory, audio engineering, and songwriting. Tim has a certification in music improvisation facilitation from Music for People and a Master of Arts in Individualized Studies from Goddard College. His master's degree focused on the neurologic intersections between music and language so that he could develop a unique music curriculum that targets language learning needs.

Tim also directs the writing process and pit band for the annual DV original musical and directs the DV Rock Ensemble and the DV Dragon Drum Corps. Tim is also the author of Serafine Finds a Song, a storybook guide to musical improvisation for music teachers.