Tim Collins has been called a “musician of fire” (Washington Post), “nothing less than exemplary” (Downbeat Magazine), a “world-class vibes player” (CJSR-FM) and “a distinctive vibraphone voice” (Radio One FM).

His original music has been described as “thoughtful, probing composition” (Downbeat), “universal and vibrant" (Blogcritics.org), and "stunning sophisticated jazz" (PBS Australia). His music has been compared with Steve Reich, Milt Jackson, Tortoise, and even the Beatles.

His debut record “Valcour”, released on Arabesque Jazz in 2007, is a straight-ahead jazz record featuring trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and pianist Aaron Parks. Radio DJs and writers alike compared Tim's playing to Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson in what was described by Downbeat as “an adventure in thoughtful, probing composition, excellent interaction, and the meaning of group dynamic.”

In 2008 he released "Fade" on Ropeadope Digital, with the help of producer/guitarist Charlie Hunter. Combining unfamiliar sounds like ‘electravibes’ with a string quartet and electric bass drew a 4-star rating from Downbeat. UK magazine Jazzwise dubbed it 'Post-Jazz'. JazzTimes proclaimed "the guy can shred," and Blogcritics.org also wrote: “Collins’ music doesn’t behave. It shatters stereotypes of what the vibraphone can do. The amazing thing is that it all makes perfect sense.”

Tim is also active in music education. He has taught privately for ten years and he has taught at Manhattan School of Music and University of New Orleans. He has given clinics at Ithaca College, Cornell University, Virginia Commonwealth University, La Escuelita de Musica Cordoba, University of Vermont, and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.