Timothy Hayward was born and raised in Paris, France. He is a graduate of the Paris Regional Conservatory, the Paris University and the Paris National Conservatory in classical and jazz saxophone performance. He began playing professionally at the age of 18 in classical, jazz, and contemporary music, including repertoire for ballet and theater. 

His career has led him to perform in Europe and the United States. He splits his time equally between teaching and performing as a professional musician, leading his own groups, as well as being a busy "sideman" for other bands. His stage performances include, but are not limited to, chamber music, jazz ensembles, big bands, symphonic orchestra, etc. He also co-leads the One More Once Big Band with Joseph Verderese, with whom he is leading a successful Jazz program based in New Jersey.

Timothy Hayward is an active published composer and arranger both in the classical and jazz domains: from solo instruments to full orchestral ensembles. His most noticeable published work is his "Songbook" that brings together 121 of his jazz originals.

Timothy Hayward moved to the U.S. in 2010 and has taken the position of Band Director at Christopher Columbus Middle School in Clifton, NJ. In his years of experience teaching in Clifton, he taught 4th Grade through 12th Grade Band and Jazz Band. He also worked as Assistant Band Director for Cresskill H.S. and Clifton H.S. Marching Bands. 

Timothy Hayward teaches summer music programs in Saddle Brook, West Milford, and is the co-director of the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute. Additionally, Tim Hayward joined in 2021 the faculty of The Juilliard School in New York City as saxophone instructor in their Music Advancement Program (Pre-College). Timothy Hayward is the Middle School Jazz Chair of the NJAJE (New Jersey Association for Jazz Education), and runs the annual NJAJE Middle School Jazz Festival.