I am located in the Delaware Watergap PA. I teach a varied and complete approach to jazz piano encompassing all styles and influences from Art Tatum to Brad Meldhau. I can also teach improvisation on any instrument. We look at solos and tunes, breaking down the harmonic and melodic structures. Drawing from my teachers, I use ideas that I studied from Jaki Byard on Errol Garner and Art Tatum. From Harold Danko, modal concepts which Chick Corea used. From Charlie Shoemake, Straight ahead jazz soloing and chord voicings. From Lyle Murphy, jazz composition and harmony which influenced Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Oscar Peterson who also was a student. Studio piano and the art of playing a ballad from Terry Trotter. Using all of these influences, I carefully watch students to see if they are swinging and using correct musicianship including rhythmic precision. You may find me on You Tube. Just search Tim Lyddon
Overview
Hired 51 times
Background checked
1 employee
56 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
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2021
Services offered
Musical style
Jazz
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
41 reviews
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Jeremy H.
Aug 2, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim has been tremendous with breaking down Jazz fundamentals and has a wonderful feeling of patience for knowing how to pace the lesson and what he wants you to get out of it. I’d recommend him to anyone who has a passion for learning piano
Details: 45 - 64 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Kiana S.
Nov 19, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I'm so happy to find Tim. I promised myself to find a piano teacher and restart my journey of Jazz Piano. By chance, I stumbled on Tim and so far his lessons have been phenomenal. He's a patient teacher and the exercises and feedback are perfect for my level. Ive enjoyed every lesson so far and am so enthusiastic for what is to come. Highly recommend Tim, you won't be disappointed.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 4+ yrs of formal training • Jazz • Yes, the student has a piano • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
Will C.
May 4, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve really enjoyed working with Tim. When I came to Tim I told him I had some piano experience but I was pretty raw in fundamentals. I really appreciate that Tim took the time to see where I was and meet me there. It’s kept the work challenging and given me a drive to continue to improve because of his personalized approach.
Tim is thoughtful and patient, so going to a lesson doesn’t feel like I’m going to the dentist. It feels more like we are working together toward something and for that reason any anxieties I might have about continuing my studies are allayed.
He also supplies a wealth of materials, from lead sheets, to PDFs that illuminate fundamentals of chord progressions, to play-along bass lines and recordings of him playing through exercises and songs we are working on. These things have been an incredible help, particularly because our lessons are virtual. I really appreciate the time Tim puts in to make sure his students have all the necessary tools to succeed.
I’d highly recommend Tim to anyone who wants to study jazz. Since many people are studying virtually these days, you can really have your pick of the litter, and I’d pick Tim every time.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Michael g.
Feb 24, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I decided to go with Tim because his jazz style of playing was what I was looking for. From the very first lesson, he understood my strengths and weaknesses and gears the lessons to help me grow. Every lesson is a managably challenging and progressive. Thanks for making the selection process easy for me. MG New City
Details: 45 - 64 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Jazz • Yes, the student has a piano • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
Samuel P.
Jul 12, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tim is an excellent teacher and musician. He is a professional and will help you get where you want to be as a musician. His attention to detail and student needs keeps the lesson focused and he works at the student’s pace. I highly recommend Tim for anyone that wants to take pianolessons.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 4+ yrs of formal training • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Tim Lyddon
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I ask some questions to see what they are really interested in doing. Then I try to show them the way to improvement and perhaps moving towards a goal. We try to keep things realistic. I am patient and try to identify the students strengths and weaknesses so as to lean on the strengths at times while bringing up the weak areas
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a masters of music degree from the Manhattan school of music and a BA from csla. I have also studied from some great teachers such as jaki byard(jazz piano)Charlie shoemake (jazz improv),terry trotter (studio, jazz and classical), spud Murphy(composition and arranging), Clare Fischer(jazz piano) , Milton stern(classical piano). The dick grove school
How did you get started doing this type of work?
When I was 15, someone needed jazz piano lessons. So I decided to help them even though I had not really taught before. I was also asked to play a few jobs around that time