Tin-Shi Tam
- Charles T. & Ivadelle Cobb Cownie Professor of Music (University Carillonneur)
- University Professor
- Chair of Keyboard Division
- Carillon
- Online Learning
Contact
Area of Study
- Music
Education
- DMA, Organ (Church Music), The University of Michigan, 1994
- MS, Arts Management, Durham University, 1986
- MA, Organ Performance, The University of Wales, 1985
- BA, Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1984
A celebrated artist on carillon and organ, Tin-Shi Tam has given recitals in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. She was a featured carillon recitalist at the Festival International de Carillon en Côte d’Or in France, the Rockefeller Carillon Series at The University of Chicago, and the congresses of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA) at Princeton University, The University of Michigan, Ball State University, and Grand Valley State University. In 2008, Tam represented GCNA to perform at the World Carillon Federation Congress in Groningen, The Netherlands. As an organ soloist, Tam collaborated with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra at the Opening Festival of the Hong Kong Cultural Center. It was followed by a performance at the National Concert Hall in Taiwan. She also appeared as a guest soloist with the Central Iowa Symphony, and was a featured artist at organ dedications.
As an active clinician, Tam has given master classes, lectures, and education programs extensively. Her invited lectures include Performing arts productions over advanced network at The College Music Society International Conference in Sydney, Australia (2017), Bells and carillons in North America 1914-1918, Music for carillon and orchestra, and Bells and bell music in China at congresses of the World Carillon Federation in Belgium (2014), The Netherlands (2008), and Poland (2006) respectively. A selection of her carillon arrangements of Scriabin's music was published by Nederlandse Klokkenspel-Verenigin, and her carillon compact disk "The Bells of Iowa State" was released in 2004.
In recognition of her 20 years of exceptional service and dedication as the Iowa State University Carillonneur, Tam was presented with a proclamation from the Ames mayor, which declared April 14, 2014 “Tin-Shi Tam Day” in the city of Ames. In 2020, the ISU Alumni Association presented its annual Impact Award to Tam. In 2023, she received the distinction of University Professor from Iowa State University. It is awarded to faculty members who act as a change agent with significant contributions that improve the university.
A native of Hong Kong, Tam is a carillonneur member of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA) and a fellow of the Trinity College of Music (London). She was the Dean of the Central Iowa Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the GCNA Franco Composition Fund. Currently, she serves on the board of directors and examination committee of the GCNA.