Garland becomes the third current Seattle Symphony musician to join Key to Change's faculty, expanding access to professional-level instruction for young musicians in South King County
Seattle Symphony violinist and new Key to Change music instructor, Timothy Garland
Key to Change is pleased to welcome Seattle Symphony violinist Timothy Garland to its music faculty. Beginning September 1, Garland will join an accomplished team of professional musicians and educators teaching at Key to Change’s Renton and Federal Way locations.
Garland joins the faculty after working with Key to Change students this summer through Symphony South, the organization’s summer orchestra program in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools. During the program, he led masterclasses, sectionals, and individual coaching, giving students an opportunity to learn directly from his two decades of professional orchestral experience.
His appointment marks another milestone for Key to Change. Garland becomes the third current member of the Seattle Symphony to serve on the organization’s music faculty, joining Seattle Symphony Concertmaster Noah Geller and Assistant Principal Violist Mara Gearman.
“For a young musician in South King County to study every week with an artist they can also see performing on the Seattle Symphony stage is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director & Founder of Key to Change. “Our students deserve access to exceptional teachers and musicians, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Tim has already demonstrated through his work at Symphony South that he cares deeply about young people and knows how to challenge them while building their confidence. I am excited to have him join our faculty and invest even more deeply in our students.”
Garland joined the Seattle Symphony in 2005 and recently completed his 21st season with the orchestra. Over two decades of performing, he has developed a wealth of experience on the concert stage that he will now bring directly into his private teaching at Key to Change.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the students and with the fantastic faculty at Key to Change and am happy for this exciting opportunity at an organization whose values I respect deeply,” Garland said.
Garland’s appointment reflects a central commitment of Key to Change: a student’s financial circumstances should not determine the quality of music education they receive. More than 90% of Key to Change students receive financial assistance, giving young musicians from underserved communities access to the same accomplished professional artists and educators as their peers.
Through private lessons, masterclasses, performances, and mentorship, students regularly work alongside musicians who challenge them to grow technically and artistically while developing confidence, discipline, and a stronger sense of what they can accomplish.
Outside of the concert hall, Garland enjoys the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and volunteers as a Forest Steward with the Green Seattle Partnership at Discovery Park. He is also an avid birder and Seattle Sounders supporter.
Garland officially joins the Key to Change faculty on September 1, 2026, and is accepting new violin students now at both the Renton and Federal Way studios.
Study Violin with Timothy Garland this fall
Key to Change’s fall term begins September 21. Enrollment is now open for students interested in studying violin with Timothy Garland at our Renton and Federal Way locations. Financial assistance is available to qualifying families.
