Drummer . Percussionist . Teacher
ABOUT TIM
Tim Sellars is a New Zealand-born drummer and percussionist, currently based in Las Vegas, where he performs as the drummer for Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio.
Versatile in jazz, pop, theatre, and world percussion, Tim is an in-demand performer and recording artist. In Las Vegas, he has played with acts such as The Swingbeats, Franky Perez, Bee Gees Gold, Truth or Dare Madonna Tribute, Dave Perrico’s Pop Soul, Las Vegas Pipe Band, Mukhlisa, and The Kiwi Three.
He has performed in over 26 musical theatre productions across New Zealand and Las Vegas, with highlights including Chicago, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Avenue Q, and Spamalot.
Tim toured internationally with Holland America and P&O Cruise Lines, performing in showbands, jazz trios, and rock ensembles. In 2017, he released his debut album The Puzzle with his world/jazz project Mukhlisa, blending Middle Eastern percussion with jazz instrumentation.
He holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Jazz Performance and a Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury, and currently teaches drums and percussion privately in Las Vegas.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Music with Honours (First Class) majoring in Jazz Performance on the drum kit- University of Canterbury
Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary)- University of Canterbury
INSTRUMENTS PLAYED
Drum Kit
Riq
Darbuka
Tar frame drum
Pandeiro
tamborim
Cajon
Congas
Bongos
Kanjira
tabla
Djembe
Tuned percussion (vibraphone, glockenspiel, marimba)
Theatre:
"O", Cirque Du Soleil (2021-Present)
Tournament Of Kings (2024-Present)
Violet (2023), NCT
Little Shop of Horrors (2021), NCT
A Charlie Brown Christmas (2019), Rainbow Company
42nd Street (2019), Drum sub NASDA
Jesus Christ Superstar (2018-19) Court Theatre
Little Women (2018) NASDA
Chicago (2017/2018) Court Theatre
Sister Act (2017) Showbiz
Songs for Nobodies (2017) Court Theatre
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (2017) Showbiz
Legally Blonde (2016-17) Court Theatre
Evita (2016) Showbiz
Hairspray (2016) Showbiz
Mama Mia! (2016) Showbiz
Working (2015) NASDA
Spamalot (2015) Showbiz
One Man, Two Guvnors (2014-15) Court Theatre
Spring Awakening (2014) NASDA
Once on This Island (2013) NASDA
Avenue Q (2013) Showbiz
Grease (2012-13) Court Theatre
The Music Man (2011) NASDA
Cabaret (2010-11) Court Theatre
Curtains (2010) NASDA
42nd Street (2010) NASDA
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2010) Showbiz
Cruise Ships:
Pacific Jewel (2018) The Goldonies- P&O
Pacific Jewel (2018) The Goldonies- P&O
Pacific Explorer (2017) The Goldonies- P&O
Pacific Jewel (2016) The Goldonies - P&O
Pacific Eden (2016) The Goldonies - P&O
Pacific Dawn (2015) La Petite Manouche - P&O
Pacific Pearl (2015) The Goldonies - P&O
Maasdam (2014) Neptunes Dance Band - Holland America
Ryndam (2013-14) Neptunes Dance Band - Holland America
Veendam (2013) Neptunes Dance Band - Holland America
Volendam (2012) HAL Cats Show Band - Holland America
Recorded Albums:
Rob Grover- Aviator, 2018
Nick Dow- Layers, 2018
Ali Harper- Songs For Everybody, 2017
Tim Sellars Mukhlisa - The Puzzle, 2017
Ali Harper Big band - Doris Day tribute, 2016
Matty Smith- Before you Lay Down, 2015
Classical Jazz Quartet - Live at Orange Studios, 2015
Glen Wagstaff - Firefly, 2015 Kate Taylor - Kate Taylor Live, 2014
Fiona Pears - Swing Driven Thing, 2014
Warrior Quartet - Warrior, 2013
Amy Grace - Brother and Sister EP, 2013
Glen Wagstaff - NG Gallery (live recording), 2013
La Petite Manouche - Odd Times, Odd Places, 2013
Ali Harper - Naughty And Nice, 2013
Rob Grover - Take Back Your Innocence, 2012
Anna Whitaker - Anna Whitaker, 2012
Will Frost - Shelter, 2012
Nocturne Quartet - Around the World in 80 Minutes, 2011
Valerie Wycoff - Grateful, a celebration of love, 2011
Peter Rosewall - Mistletoe and Coffee, 2010
Anna Whitaker - Winter Swing (live recording), 2010
Teaching:
Private drum tutor, Las Vegas (2020-Present)
Guitar Center, Las Vegas (2020-2022)
Brill Music Academy, Las Vegas (2019-2022)
Itinerant drum tutor, Hagley College (2016-2019)
Itinerant drum tutor, Westburn Primary (2010-2019)
Substitute tutor (drums and percussion), CPIT Jazz School (2012-2013)
Private drum tutor, Clevetown Studios (2012)
Itinerant drum tutor, Christ’s College (2009-2012)