A Place Somewhere

WELCOME by Tim M. Kucij, Composer/Pianist
www.timkucij.com

We're so glad you stopped by to visit.
Music has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's truly a universal vehicle to express feelings. It can evoke a multitude of emotions ranging from love to nostalgia, patriotism and so much more.

Think of the memories that come flooding back when you hear a familiar tune. Think of the treasured moments etched in time that music recalls. I simply can't imagine a world without music!

As a composer I have endeavored to set to music the joys and experiences of life. As a pianist I've attempted to portray those feelings through the keyboard. I have often been told that my music is like "Picture Painting".

I consider it a privilege to share my music with you. Stop by again sometime... and enjoy the music!

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Tim Kucij (Pronounced "Koochee") is an unusual musician. He is both a versatile composer and a virtuoso keyboard artist. His music evokes a variety of emotions that have garnered him a faithful following. Broadly eclectic contemporary classical, his compositions vary in style from ballad to modern classical, pop, jazz and ragtime. And while his playing can be dynamic, he brings personable warmth to his music providing the listener with a vehicle to get away from life's complexities and relax in the tonal beauty of the piano.

During his younger years, he studied through the Sherwood Music School of Chicago as well as under many distinguished artists and teachers including Thurla Wallis (organ - Los Angeles), Frank Sanucci (piano and composition - Los Angeles), Dr. Edward D. Berryman (organ - Minneapolis), Dr. Ronald R. Gearman (piano - Bemidji, MN), Kathreen Prout (piano - Los Angeles), Eddy L. Manson (film scoring and composition - Los Angeles) and Henry Charles Smith (theory and conducting - Minneapolis).

He made his recital debut (organ) in Los Angeles in 1966 at age 11, won 1st Prize in the Southern California Organ Competition in 1966 and won the Performer's Certificate in 1967. Throughout the 1960s he performed regularly on the 37-rank pipe organ at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. He also performed on the Flentrop pipe organ for the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard University during the summers of 1972, 1973 and 1974.

In 1976 Tim composed a book of 25 original piano pieces in honor of the American Bicentennial. He has now composed scores of original piano works in various styles. His music (score books and recordings) is housed in many of the nation's libraries. Tim continues to compose and perform in various venues including church programs and what he likes to call "musicales". These are less formal more intimate programs of playing and discussing music for more moderately sized audiences.

Tim holds a B. A. degree in music (specializing in composition and piano) from the California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) at Pomona. He was named Distinguished Alumnus from Cal Poly in 1989. He is also listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.

ALBUM DESCRIPTION - A PLACE SOMEWHERE

Escape from the hustle and bustle of life to A Place Somewhere! This album spans many styles from the nostalgic ballad "Reminisce" to "The Storm", a powerful depiction of a wild storm with a crashing bass clef and foreboding treble. The title piece starts with a wistful melody and gentle rolling left hand then proceeds to a big and bold middle section before quietly returning to the opening theme. Then there's the playful "The Butterfly Rag" and the classical "Rainbows". The CD closes with the mighty "Persistence". Dynamic and exciting, yet delicate and soothing. This is "must listen to" piano music!