Timothy De Prey has been Piano Instructor at MacPhail Center for Music since 1997 and in his home studio for over 30 years. Throughout his teaching career his students have won many competitions including the Junior Honor’s Competition, the Honor’s Competition, the prestigious Concerto and Aria Competition and multiple scholarships.  In 2025, one of Timothy’s graduating seniors was the first student to receive a new music scholarship at Gustavus Adolpus University rewarding him $25,000 per year. 

Timothy is an active performer in the Twin Cities and has performed on seven MacPhail Spotlight Performances including “By George” – the music of George Gershwin, “Flirting with Sondheim” and most recently to a sold-out performance “It Takes Two” – the greatest duets of Broadway. In addition to his work at MacPhail, Timothy has been the principal accompanist for the well-respected Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus since 1991. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges proclaimed December 5, 2015 as Timothy De Prey Day in the City of Minneapolis honoring his work with MacPhail Center for Music and the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. Timothy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Minnesota.

Timothy is deeply grateful to have received the James E. Ericksen Professional Development Grant distributed through MacPhail Center for Music in 2025.  He is also appreciative of the mentorship of some of the greatest composers of piano teaching material: Melody Bober, Christorpher Norton, Kevin Olson and Wynn-Anne Rossi. Each composer coached him through the process.  They reviewed and gave valuable advice on his work prior to completion.