Vocal Instruction,Coaching, Guitar and Bass Lessons:
Terry’s teaching philosophy is drawn from her real world experience as a professional vocalist and musician as well as her well-rounded experience in the entertainment/fashion/music industries. From young students just starting out to experienced veterans, Terry has the experience, knowledge and patience to guide each individual to his or her fullest potential. Each lesson begins with warm-ups and scales, as well as breathing exercises. Fitness and diet are also addressed in lessons (Terry was as certified personal trainer for 8 years). As far as Terry is concerned, “your body is your instrument”. Mental focus and relaxation are addressed in vocal lessons, as well the organizational skills associated with learning different types of music material. Terry also has experience working with students who have ADD and speech impediments. Terry is especially experienced with helping students overcome performance anxiety. The second part of the lesson usually involves the development of specific vocal techniques such as breathing, vibrato, blending, growling, developing falsetto and many other techniques, depending on the skill and needs of the student. Also covered in lessons are performance techniques including microphone use, projection, connecting with the audience and proper and appropriate audition preparation. Terry assists and advises students in perusing performance opportunities. She has helped students prepare for entry exams to performing art schools.(by the way, they all got in!) This preparation has included music history, musical vocabulary, music identification and theory. She also helps students prepare “Press Kits” and media presentation. Besides working with students on the material of their choice, Terry teaches all of her students basic scales and music theory, her belief being that singers are and should be well rounded musicians in general. All lessons are taught using a keyboard and a laptop. The laptop enables the students to learn to use the latest Internet information and technology to expedite the learning process. Terry also plays guitar and bass, and has a working knowledge of drums and piano to further assist her students in understanding music. Guitar and Bass Lessons are taught in such a way that the student finds his or herself playing recognizable pieces right away. Shortly after the student learns a few “riffs” Terry begins to introduce tablature and music theory. By the time the student is working with Terry on music and theory, he or she already has a “point of reference” of which to Work from on their instrument. Age does not factor into a students ability to comprehend Music theory, Terry has found often times the younger students tend to absorb the Information a bit more readily than some of the adults! Most students come to Terry to learn to play the rock style of music. Terry introduces all Students to the fundamentals of blues, as it is the basis of modern rock and roll. Guitar and Bass are “two different animals” in terms of their role in the context of a music. Guitar more often than not carries the melody of the music, whereas bass more often accents the rhythm, or the back bone of the music, acting as a bridge between the guitar and bass. Students are also shown how to teach themselves to recognize tones by ear, and later shown how to become great listeners. Her experience has found that the best musicians are often the best listeners and Terry instills this in her students.
Please contact Terry for rates and availability.