Area guitarist moves studio to Clinton
By Guest Columnist Larry McMurtry
Being a long-time Clintonian and MC graduate, I have grown to appreciate Clinton as a progressive, unified small town consisting of well-known treasures, such as Mississippi College and the awesome public school system. I have also learned that Clinton is a town full of a few hidden gems – think Wyatt Waters Art Gallery and the Olde Towne Red Brick Roads Music and Arts Festival.
Well, now there is another hidden gem to add to the list of Clinton assets. Beginning January 1, 2022, renowned local stringed-instrument instructor Tim Avalon relocated his music studio to Clinton, after twenty-five+ years of teaching in Jackson and Madison. Mr. Avalon has long been known among Jackson’s music set as one of its premier guitar and fiddle players, having performed often at practically every music venue in the area.
During Tim’s forty-year career as a musician, Tim has also quietly mentored hundreds of students, not only on guitar and violin, but on all stringed instruments, including the mandolin, slide guitar, cello and stand-up bass. His students have always included those of varying ages and levels of expertise, from pre-school age virtuosos to retired beginners. Those at virtually every stage of development have been taught, many from an early age all the way into adulthood.
Tim combines a patient, calm, laid-back teaching approach with a skillful ability to match the students’ talents and proficiency level to a suitable course of instruction, making learning a pleasure to those of all ages and skill levels.
Avalon has held standing gigs at Char Sunday brunch and Canton Baptist Church for years and years. He has taught at numerous festivals and workshops statewide, and he continues to perform locally on a limited basis while also assisting his more accomplished trainees to receive public playing opportunities.
His list of associations and referrals is long, and his accomplishments are many. In 2020, Tim published a 500-page anthology of over 400 original tunes for the guitar and violin.
Clinton is very fortunate to have a musician of the caliber of Tim Avalon, who will contribute to the community and who adds a talent to those already present here.
