Rising Stars: Meet Tim Fullerton of Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Fullerton.

Hi Tim, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I picked up guitar as a teen in Columbus, Ohio, I was blown away Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen. Pat Metheny introduced me to jazz, and all that led to a lifelong pursuit of music at the highest level. I earned a Bachelor of Music at Ohio State, a Master of Music in Jazz from San Diego State, and a Graduate Certificate in Studio Guitar at USC Thornton, where I’m now pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Studio Guitar. I expect to finish that in 2027. Along the way, I also earned an MBA and spent 20 years in software development and fintech.

Today, my work blends performance, research, and innovation, reflecting a commitment to creativity that is as rigorous as it is as it is expressive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Breaking into the music scene as an adult was a whole different challenge than it was at sixteen. I had relocated to San Diego in the distant suburbs; with young children; limited local opportunities; a demanding day job; and major family responsibilities, including caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s. I found that I could no longer approach music the same way as I had approached it when I was a child. I had to be resourceful. I did join some rock bands and play in some bars, but I also I developed a rich solo guitar repertoire; I found that I love performing as an orchestra guitarist in musical theatre; and I love playing church gigs. All that ultimately led me to Los Angeles — the center of the universe for electric guitar. Returning to school for my Doctorate at USC Thornton has expanded my creative community even further. Now, not a minute goes by where I don’t feel the deepest gratitude that I get to be where I am, spending so much time doing what I’m doing!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what sets my creativity apart is just how eclectic it is. I’ve been getting into rock, jazz, classical, funk, R&B, Motown, blues, and other pop, and all that comes out in my music. I’ve also found that developing software is every bit that creative outlet that music is. As is writing.

Focusing on the music, though, I’ll be playing as an orchestra guitarist at the 2026 Choirs of America Nationals for Top Choirs in Carnegie Hall, so if you happen to be in New York on March 29, I’m really excited about that. I am most proud of a pop jam session that I founded at Tommy’s, which is a venue on USC campus. That happens every Monday night at 8pm. It has gained a lot of traction and I’m really proud of the idea that it is going to continue long after I’m gone. Come check it out! I’ll be playing a run of Come from Away at Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista this fall. I’m also releasing an album later this year, so keep watching my social media.

But performing only scratches the surface: I try to leave a little bit of room for students, which I teach from my studios in LA, San Diego, and on Zoom. For my doctorate, I’m writing a generative AI model to assist with sight-reading, and I figure that will position me for further development work when I am done. Long term, I aim to grow university popular music programs, advance music technology, and continue building vibrant music communities. If you are interested in help with any of those things, please reach out.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
All my regrets have been from things I’ve wanted to do, but didn’t. I have no regrets about anything I’ve tried, even those things that failed. So, if there is something creative that I want to do but I am afraid, nothing bad will happen from me trying. If I don’t try, a lifetime regret is almost guaranteed.

That said, I have a lot of irons in the fire in terms of creative output, and I have a lot of ambitious goals. I feel like I can do anything I want, but I cannot do everything that I want. I have to choose. Lots of goals have not gone according to plan, but better opportunities have arisen as a result of my work. What is important is that I recognize those opportunities when they appear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.timfullertonguitar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_on_guitar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFullertonGuitar
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tfullerton/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tim-fullerton-guitarist-san-diego