Music As Muse

Music as Muse

Everyone needs creative outlets. For University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, playing classical guitar is a go-to. He began playing guitar as a young teenager.

Killeen's musical taste is varied. The self-taught musician changes up performance venues, too. Often, a sunny space in his home at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides just the right acoustics and inspiration.

Soon after talking the helm at the U of I System, Killeen shared his musical talent at the at Krannert Center for Performing Arts. Showcasing his range, he played Antonio Lauro’s Venezuelan Suite No. 1 “Registro” and “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.

He played “Villancico de Navidad” by Agustin Barrios Mangore in his very first . Messages from Killeen and his wife, Roberta Johnson Killeen – including his musical accompaniment – are now a tradition.

Aside from his own performances, Killeen encouraged everyone to turn to music from the system’s three universities in summer 2020 to help cope with the early challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enjoy his recent solo performances below or visit his to see these and other performances, including holiday messages.