Timmy Cruz is a virtuoso ukulele player based in San Diego California who attended and taught the first Ukulele event held by Terry Carter back in 2019. Timmy comes from a family of ukulele players. He and his older brother learned how to play the instrument from their talented father, and thanks to that learning process he has been able to have many opportunities to perform and play alongside other people in the Ukulele and music industry.
We’re very happy to have him as one of our ukulele guests at UKECON 2022! So… Without any further ado, let’s bring Timmy Cruz to this writing stage!
Timmy Cruz, tell me about your Ukulele story?
I started playing ukulele at the age of 15 years old. My teenage hobby turned into a profession. I played professionally doing studio work and live performances from 2009-2012. In 2013 I stopped playing ukulele almost completely as I just had other personal endeavors I started to pursue. 2019, I decided to start playing ukulele again, but just for myself, and decided to share my arrangements on social media only. Little did I know it would turn into performing again in front of people.
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How did you get started with music and what lead you to the ukulele?
I started playing ukulele at 15 years old. We just had a toy ukulele in the house, and naturally gravitated towards the instrument. Taught me my first song, which was a song called “Yellow Bird” that he arranged himself. It took me a year and a half to learn this song. I wasn’t musically inclined like my father and my siblings, and I struggled learning. However, my persistence paid off as I am the only one in my family who still actively plays music.
Who are your role models in the Ukulele world?
At this current moment, my role models are not the ukulele stars, but the adults with careers and families who decide to play the instrument. It’s one thing to be naturally good at something and pursue it. However, it is much more inspiring for me to see someone who is very busy with their life but decides to make time for our instrument.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I have many vectors of creativity, but for my fingerstyle arrangements, I try to emulate the harp.
What 3 tips can you give to people that are starting to learn and improve on the ukulele?
- Play with as many people as possible and listen to their playing, but also their advice they are willing to provide.
- Find out what your strengths are and develop them as much as possible.
- Be willing to share your talent with others, whether it be teachings or performing.
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What lessons have you learned from being a performer/influencer/musician?
The greatest lesson I have learned is that music is about self-expression. My music is a way I communicate my passion and love for music and the ukulele.
Read more: UKECON is happy to welcome: Dani Usero!
ABOUT THE UKE-CON FESTIVAL 2022:
What are you excited about for the UKE-CON Summer Ukulele Festival?
I am excited to share the stage with two other musicians/friends to bring the best possible performance I could present.
What are you most looking forward to at UKE-CON?
Meeting with all the audience and talking about their ukulele story.
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Tickets are almost sold out! Do you have any words to the attendees (both in person and virtual)?
Get your tickets soon, the performers are going to bring their best stuff!
UKE-CON is a great opportunity for people to connect with their ukulele teachers/artists/mentors. What do you like the most about being part of this one-of-a-kind ukulele community?
The ukulele community is such a loving and caring place. I have noticed that we are all so friendly and supportive of each other.
ABOUT YOU:
What are you currently working on (professionally and personally) that you are excited about?
I am excited to keep progressing the ukulele forward and bringing it to different lights of music. Currently, I am auditioning for the Candlelit performances. On a personal level, I am working on investing and being fiscally stable, so I can facilitate pursuing my true passion; which is music and weight training.
What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom can you share with us?
“Have the smile you want to see in the world.”
Share one funny story about yourself that most people don’t know.
I am a music major dropout, and can’t read music even if my life depended on it.
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How can people learn more about you and reach out to you? Do you have a website/store/channel where people can find your content?
The best way is through my social media platforms: My ukulele content Instagram account and my personal account.
Awesome!!! We’re really excited to see you at the UKE-CON Festival 2022 in San Diego, California, on August 27th.
Preparing the engines in 3……… 2……… 1……!
