Tim was born in 1965 and grew up in Melbourne. After he finished school, he briefly studied electronic engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, then decided instead to study music.
In 1988 Tim obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the Victorian College of the Arts. That same year he also toured Europe with the Australian Youth Orchestra, and auditioned successfully for a position with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra which he still holds. Tim has taught cello at Churchlands Senior High School and Perth Modern School, and continues to pursue chamber music interests.
In his spare time, Tim is also interested in web development and photography.