Performances + Events
New England Conservatory is proud to announce the appointment of Boston Symphony Orchestra Principal Timpanist Tim Genis to its faculty. Genis holds the Sylvia Shippen Wells chair at the BSO, where he has been principal timpanist since 2003 and served as assistant timpanist and percussionist from 1993 to 2003. Genis will begin teaching at NEC in the Fall 2026 semester.
“Tim Genis is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost timpanists and a deeply respected percussion teacher,” NEC Dean and Chief Artistic Officer Hank Mou said. “As principal timpanist of the BSO, he brings unparalleled artistry and professional insight to our students. His former students hold percussion positions in leading orchestras around the globe, reflecting the lasting impact of his mentorship. We are honored to welcome him to New England Conservatory and look forward to seeing our percussion students flourish under his guidance.
Genis succeeded the legendary Everett “Vic” Firth ’52, ’92 hon. DM as principal timpanist of the BSO, a position Firth held for nearly 50 years. Firth was also a longtime member of NEC’s faculty.
Prior to joining the BSO Genis served as principal percussionist of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and assistant timpanist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed with the Vienna Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Radio City Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic, among other ensembles, and has given clinics and master classes throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Genis earned his Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School and has studied with such percussion-world luminaries as Roland Kohloff, Buster Bailey, Chris Lamb, Joe Morello, John Beck, and Anthony Cirone.
“I am honored to join the faculty of New England Conservatory. This opportunity is especially momentous as it coincides with the launch of a new alliance between the Boston Symphony Orchestra — where I serve as principal timpanist — and NEC,” Genis said, referring to the newly launched BSO x NEC Alliance. “I am deeply excited to help shape the next generation of musicians within this historic collaboration and to contribute to the artistic and educational community we are building together.”
