Tim has been teaching me how to play tenor sax this year. He knows the ins and outs of his instrument, and is an energetic and passionate instructor. He's very good at identifying problems and coming up with multiple solutions. He's also extremely encouraging and patient. Tim is very eager to have his students succeed, and it shows in his teaching. My playing has improved greatly in the time I have spent with him. He is also a world renowned performer, recording artist, and author. I highly recommend him as a teacher. read more

I've been working with Tim Lin for a couple years now and can honestly say that my musicianship has taken huge strides since I started. Tim has a wealth of knowledge in all styles of music and really stresses the importance of learning the core fundamentals of music theory. If you come to Tim, you won't just learn how to master an instrument, you will learn how to become a master musician. read more

Tim Lin is an exceptional music teacher. I started taking classes from him when he first started teaching, roughly four years ago. Very easy to connect with, and uses very good methods for teaching saxophone. Tim taught me how to enjoy practicing chords and progressions and continuously improve my musical abilities. He's very patient and understanding, and also is a great friend and mentor at the same time. His quick responses and flexible schedule made it easy to schedule classes with him. Ultimately, come to Tim for lessons if you wish to spend quality one on one classes for a great price. It's worth every penny. read more

I feel the need to update my review after one and a half years since my review of TLMI. Tim continues to impress me with his expertise and knowledge in jazz music. He is, by a LONG shot, the most skilled saxophonist I know, and recently completed a concert tour in Taiwan. To be able to find a teacher who can teach as well as he can perform is rare, and you've found a gem of a teacher if you choose to take lessons with Tim. Congratulations! You've found a keeper! read more

Tim is an exceptional Tenor Sax teacher; despite being similar age to him, I've learned so much from him and at a lower price than what I can usually for his level of expertise. I've been getting lessons from him for only a couple of months now but I can honestly say that I've only felt a musical growth because of Tim's mentoring. I can sense that Tim has a real passion for music as well as teaching. When I had first met him for our first lesson, I was at little taken back that he was the guy I had spoke to on the phone regarding my lesson. After we met, he got right to business and asked me to play my favorite music. When I finished he told me straight up that I had a lot about to improve on and started critiquing me. Yet his comments weren't demeaning or full of BS like how I've gotten with other teachers who just buttered me up so I can feel better about myself. Overall I've had only good experiences with Tim and I highly recommend any beginning Jazz or Sax student to get into contact with Tim. He's quite a friendly guy but maintains a level of professionalism and competence that I expect from someone who's been in the Jazz business for years. read more

Excellent teacher: patient, creative, and really knowledgeable about Jazz history. Of course, a great musician.

This is a review not for Tim's teaching but for Tim's performance. I hired Tim for my company event and his performance was exceptional.

I have known Tim since he was in high school and was a truly talented player back then. I have taken lessons from Tim and found him to be just as talented as an instructor. His style of teaching allow you to learn without being intimidated. He makes the lessons fun and inspiring. I highly recommend Tim as an instructor if you're just starting out or if you have been playing for years I'm sure he will suit your needs. read more

Tim is one of these next generation musicians that will keep Jazz alive and well for years to come. He is a creative savage on the sax with incredible chops and feel that is truly a cut above. He is a great instructor that is able to guide others into new levels of dynamic play. In addition to all of that he is also warm, friendly and caring. Anyone would truly benefit being a student learning from an extraordinary professional like Tim. read more

Tim is a very nice and patient teacher. Although he is very strict about music, he has experience working with all types of students and knows how to help them improve. After working with Tim for 4 years, I was able to learn how to play both classical and jazz music. His classes helped me fell in love with playing the saxophone and is a suitable teacher for anyone with his vast knowledge of music and experience. read more

Tim was a fantastic teacher for our two children, ages 13 and 7. He was encouraging yet challenging, and got them both started with good technique. I think it is a great sign that our kids looked forward to their lessons. I recommend Tim very highly and hope that you'll also give your children the gift of music with Tim as their teacher. Sincerely, Satisfied Parent read more

Tim has been teaching my son for almost 2 years, he loves jazz now than even before. Even sometimes, he found it challenge he is continue looking forward for his lesson! Highly recommended teacher! read more

Tim is a great instructor. He loves jazz and inspires his students. He is patient and has great technique. He provides a strong foundation from beginning to advanced students. He helps his students improve their tone, technique and improvisation skills. read more

Tim is incredibly professional and very down to earth. Unlike other sax teachers that I've taken lessons with, Tim takes the time to walk me through everything. There's never a silly question. Definitely take lessons from Tim, he's awesome! read more

I first met Tim Lin on a gig a few years ago. I was playing bass and he was playing jazz sax with a very "heavy" jazz group. It was an incredible night. I was so impressed by this young man's playing abilities that soon after I decided to find out more about him. It turns out that Tim had been a student of another wonderful jazz sax player with whom I gig regularly. That person told me that Tim had written a jazz improv book and that it was amazing. As soon as I learned about this I went out of my way to contact Tim and order the book. What I've learned about Tim through both live music and his book is that he is a very clear thinker, a passionate playe, and a very thorough musician. His book is outstanding, although it is certainly not for beginners. Since I'm a music teacher I've also been very happy to find such an excellent teacher in the San Jose area (I'm farther south) with whom I'd be comfortable recommending for sax lessons as well as jazz theory and improvisation. I strongly recommend Tim as both a teacher and a performer. read more

Finding someone who is passionate about their craft is a good thing. Especially if they also happen to be a teacher/instructor. A great teacher/instructor is one who brings out the best in you. Look no farther than Tim Lin. 5 stars from everyone on Yelp! Woohoo! As good as it gets! read more

Tim is a great teacher!! Right off the bat he identified weak points in my playing that really helped me push beyond a point where I felt I had been stuck for several years. Don't let his age fool you, he is remarkably knowledgeable about his instrument! read more

Tim is a great teacher despite his age. When I found out that he started playing sax around the age that I am now, a junior in highschool, I was blown away. His teaching technique was very straightforward with emphasis on PRACTICE. He follows a consistent schedule when he teaches so you know what to expect before he comes to your house,but it only makes you want to work harder each and every week. I feel like I can connect to TIm because of his age, which makes him even more enjoyable to learn from. He corrected so many things in the little time we had with each other due to the fact he had to go back to college, but it was worth the start up. Overall, Tim, I apologize for the term, is a "beast." I recommend him 100% because of the quality you get with the low price to pay. I look forward to learning from him again when he comes back to the bay and hope ya'll will enjoy him as much as I do. read more