History:
Terri began studying music at a young age, playing violin from the time she was nine years old. Receiving a full-scholarship to the school of her choice, she decided in attending the famed music school at North Texas State, where she studied classical voice. At North Texas Terri won several state-wide competions. Upon completion of her degree, cum laude, Terri was accepted to continue her education at the world-renowned music academy, The Juilliard School in New York City. While loving classical music and singing in an operatic style, Terri chose to move to Los Angeles to pursue other genres of music. Since 1987, she has been singing Blues, R&B, and Jazz, as well as continuing in her classical technique. She is a current, working, professional vocalist, performing everywhere from major Blues Festivals, to small Jazz clubs, to operatic performances. She currently resides in Nashville, TN pursuing another great love, songwriting. Her first solo CD is to be released in the Spring of 2008.
Terri believes her strongest asset is that she is a working, performing vocalist. Being out in the real world is an invaluable experience that can only encourage young, up-and-coming singers to aspire. Making the transition from classical music to Blues and R&B was a difficult one at first. But Terri has learned to master her trade, and can pass on her knowledge and flexibility to those she teaches. She teaches "Classical" technique and how to apply that to all other art-forms of singing, so the singer is always using proper technique. A regular performer in Nashville, students can come out and watch Terri in person. Terri also passes on these skills in live performance, as well as the basics of professional singing, to her students.
Education:
B.M. - Vocal Performance
North Texas State University
Opera Studies
The Juilliard School of Music
Reviews:
"She's convincing. The emotional strength and solid power of her voice carry the album's message emphatically."
- Jim Santella, Southland Blues Magazine
"Her voice is surely one of the strongest on the scene; but its most significant characteristic this evening was the passion it conveyed"
- Bernard Baur, Music Connection Magazine
"Gifted with an harmonic balance together with a tremendous expressive strength and a performing ability, Terry turns her voice into a weapon of great caliber for minds and hearts thirsty of good rock"
- Vicente Zumel, La Hora del Blues
Here's what has been said about Terri and her professional instruction:
"Bringing her pedagogical competence and tremendous vocal skills to bear upon her instruction of students, Terri has helped in building a reputation and standard of excellence and credibility.
- European School of Music, Los Angeles
Terri, because of her wide knowledge of performance and musical styles, and as well as her own technical versatility, has helped me to prepare to perform Classical, Pop, Jazz, Country, and R&B
- Paula Balfoort (former student)
Words of advice:
Practice! Practice! In college, Terri practiced three hours a day!
In addition to practicing, good vocal health is essential to a great singing voice. Don't abuse your voice by shouting, smoking, or drinking too many caffeinated beverages (they dry your throat).
Learn to sing in the proper register and use abdominal breath support.
Keep an open throat and "feel the yawn".
Here samples of Terri's singing:
Classical
Blues
Terri's Vocal Studio is located in Nashville, Tennessee
Voice Lessons and Stage Performance Coaching is available for all levels, styles, and ages.
