Tim Lockwood, an AIM alumnus, has just signed a contract with Universal Childcare where he will be teaching up to 1700 music students this July. Universal Childcare is a well-established company that specialises in the education of children aged 0-6.

The AIM Contemporary Performance graduate came from humble beginnings as he started teaching guitar to local children from his home. “One of the main reasons I decided to teach was because of the reward you get when your student performs and you see how inspired they are and how happy their families are when they watch them. It’s sort of like a legacy; say if they perform ten years from now they remember who their teachers are. I think it holds more value than doing a gig or performance.”

The growing number of students led him to start a small business called Sound Events - www.soundevents.com.au - with his fellow AIM graduates. “I like to mainly work with people from AIM because I trust them. There is a general understanding in regards to performing as well as the technical aspect.  I also feel as though I can draw most inspiration out of them.” Together, they aim to emulate the rapport that groups such as Hi5 generate with young children, whether it is through singing, playing, moving, listening and creating.

Tim’s dedicated work ethic on researching and developing music education programs for children has certainly reaped rewards. With much delight and success, Sound Events has recently signed a deal with Universal Childcare to be the music education provider in over 24 childcare centres across Sydney, with future endeavours set on Canberra and Melbourne.

Sound Events is also starting a new venture into Music Catering. “Over the time studying at AIM, and then through gigs after, I have met many musicians that create a large network crossing a lot of genres. I’ve been approached by many clients asking if I managed bands and whether I could provide something for their event.” Instead of evolving his work into business management, Tim crafts a group of different musicians, mainly from AIM, who range in instrument and genre to create a band that will plan an event. Thus, the client is given control over what music will be played in terms of genre and band size.  

“My studies at AIM opened up my idea of what an occupation should be like. Looking around at AIM and see the students who opened up their lives to music inspired me to start up Sound Events.” Tim says.

Congratulations to Tim on this awe-inspiring achievement. AIM gives you and your team our best wishes!

Find out more about Contemporary Performance at AIM