Ray's musical influences began before birth. His father, Neil Tilkens was a Professor of Music at George Washington University, as well as a concert pianist. His passion and dedication to music as a means of expression lives on in more than four (4) generations of students and colleagues. It also lives on in Ray.

At age five (5) Ray began piano lessons. Soon to follow were violin, viola and voice. The Sixties had a profound influence on him as his focus shifted to guitar. He soon began playing in bands. His noteriety eventually led to two (2) positions with the Root Boy Slim band. He replaced Steuart Smith initially and later Paul Reed Smith in the band.

Meanwhile, Ray's continued interest in songwriting led to the building of a recording and production facility, known as Ambient Productions. Since 1979 Ray Tilkens and Ambient Productions have been a trusted name in the recording industry. Clients an associates know Ray as a renaissance man. Comfortable in a variety of roles, he is equally adept as recording, mixing and mastering engineer, as well as producer and arranger. Additionally, Ray's skills as a multi-instrumentalist have earned him hundreds of credits on his clients projects. Ray was even invited to jam with Lynyrd Skynyrd at Merriweather Post Pavillion.

Ray considers it a true blessing that his musical gifts have provided for his family over the years. His sons both garduated with musical degrees, carrying on his family's musical tradition.

Needless to say his unique capability to be comfortable in any musical environment insures that all projects will receive the correct attention to detail that will nurture a successful session. Ray's love for music drew him into this industry. His passion continues to bear fruit with every session that comes into Ray Tilken's Ambient Productions. For a sampling of Ray's ability to accommodate a diverse client base (see his Discography pages)