Balancing Music and Engineering
Timothy Dinsmore believes in a balanced life. As a double major in Civil Engineering and Music Performance at UNC Charlotte, Dinsmore wants to be a master builder involved in all aspects of structures projects, while still making sure music and his guitar are important parts of his life.
“Career-wise, I like the idea of being totally involved in all phases of the built environment,” Dinsmore said. “I want to see projects through all their stages, from concept to design to engineering to construction.”
This total project involvement is the concept of the master builder. Dinsmore’s father, Robert Dinsmore Jr., is an architect practicing the concept of the master builder. From creative concept to construction management, a master builder’s work includes arranging financing, site selection, conceptualizing the project, budgeting, designing, and ultimately managing and building the project.
“To be a master builder, I debated between architecture and engineering,” Dinsmore said. “I decided first I wanted practical knowledge and skills. I want to know how to build things. So, I’m getting my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering now. I may do a master’s in architecture in the future.”
Dinsmore also wants music to always be a part of his life. “I’ve been playing classical guitar since I was seven,” he said. “I loved it from the very start. Through classical guitar, I’ve learned about the structure of music and the importance of technique. I’ve developed a deep appreciation for classical music.”
At age 11, Dinsmore performed as a soloist at the Tosco Music Party in Charlotte. “It was the first time I’d played before a large audience,” he said. “It was wonderful sharing my music with people who really appreciated it. From that point, I was hooked on performing and knew music would always be part of my life.”
At age 13, Dinsmore attended the summer music program at NC School of the Arts, where he studied under Joseph Pecoraro and was awarded a Certificate of Distinction by the faculty.
Dinsmore said he has been fortunate to study with many great guitarists over the years, including Sharon Isbin at the Aspen Music Festival, and at masters classes with internationally known classical guitarists David Russell and Christopher Parkening.
Dinsmore sees a strong connection between music and engineering. “There is a deep structure and form to music that can also be found in the built environment,” he said. “It’s very interesting to see the connections that all of the harmonious structures and patterns of music have in common with the built environment.”
Dinsmore’s commitment to his balance life takes a great deal of commitment. Between engineering and music, he is taking 11 classes this semester. Music requires him to practice about two hours a day, and engineering curriculum is always demanding.
“It is an intense load, but I love it,” Dinsmore said. “Some of my music classes are only one or two credit hours, but they are still a lot of work. And I will admit that sometimes when my engineering classes get busy I don’t always find two hours a day to practice guitar.”
In terms of his future in music, Dinsmore plans to keep playing in the community and at his church. “Music has been a big part of my life since I was very young and I expect it always will be. I love playing for people, so I plan to be active performing in the community. And I will always play in church, where I can glorify the Lord with my music.”