Timothy Topoly

Master of Arts in Percussion - New York University

Bachelor of Arts in Percussion - Piano - Composition & Arranging - University of Mount Union

Performing in steelbands around the world, Tim Topoly is a caring educator, vibrant performer, professional freelance percussionist, piano wizard, and owner of the media and production company named Steelband USA. Through his versatile blending ofcultural disciplines, Tim captivates listeners, allowing them to experience the magic inherent in their soul. The relationships and experience he brews through Trinidad, soca, and calypso music inspire others to feel groove and develop a love for music. His Russian and German approach to technical mastery on piano embodies expressive and powerful execution. He approaches pedagogy through historical contexts, re-animating students to understand and develop their sense of self, play with confidence, and increase their reading and writing skills.

With over 10 years of performance experience, Tim has freelanced extensively in Northeast Ohio and New York City. Playing steel pan, touring with a hip-hop collective, sitting in with jazz & funk groups, sitting in on Broadway performances, pop/rock shows, a blues group, folk & indie groups, serving as percussionist for Asian Symphony Orchestras, writing program notes and assisting conductors with orchestrations, performing in NY Panorama twice with Pan in Motion, and playing in amusement parks, hotels, and theme parks while earning news features and recording studio sessions. Tim also performed as a soloist with the Videogame Symphony in Cleveland. He continues to perform while developing media and production projects for Steelband USA.

Tim has over five years of teaching students from diverse backgrounds, focusing on cultivating students’ hearts and minds so they can develop autonomy, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Join the fun, and let’s discover the magic within you!