Guitar Lessons
| Terry teaches students to part of a song in the first lesson. After students learn their first few “riffs”, she then proceeds with finger exercises and introducing the notes on the guitar. |
As a guitarist, Terry believes it is important to have the student play as soon as possible, and then introduce theory soon after.
Playing first gives the student a point of reference. Terry then teaches students how to use the C scale and patterns to name all the notes on the guitar, followed by regular scales. Shortly after, major chords are introduced and students are asked to choose material they would like to learn. Terry teaches students how to read and write tablature, as well as gives each student creative writing assignments. True musicianship developes when the student learns to create their own melodies. Terry continues to advance each student according to her or his own pace and style preferences.
Terry is also the the Vice President of AlumiSonic Guitars. She can help students find a guitar that is right for their experience level and budget, and can also assist in repair and maintenance.
Vocal Lessons
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 need 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 persuing 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 sometimes a laptop. The laptop enables the students to learn to use the latest Internet information and technology to expedite the learning process. |