Terrell C.

Students can expect to become proficient in using the piano as a tool for any/all/other musical needs they may have. It is important that students understand how to navigate the entire keyboard with two hands, that they understand key/key signature, and that they have the ability to play 5 finger scalar patterns in the right hand in coordination with chords, including inversions when needed, in the left hand. Understanding these basics will allow for the students to use the piano in any way they might need for any genre of music they might desire to play. It is important that there is emphasis on cultivating the ability to read music as well but is not mandatory to become comfortable with the instrument. I might recommend a book or two, but most materials needed I can provide via pdf completely free.

I have spent many years performing in wind ensembles and orchestras. I have the ability to conduct, read scores, create scores, and I understand the entire orchestra top to bottom in terms of the instruments used and their abilities/inabilities.

I am a composer first and foremost and have a vast amount of understanding in the structure and form of large 'orchestral' works, song-form in popular music, and jazz. Vocals and lyric writing are within my capabilities as well. The key to creating effective music is coherency, organization, and a strong melody. As a composer, I would use my understanding of contemporary 'classical' music to help engage potential students in unique ways regarding their ability to create great music using ideas that might seem unrelated at first. Song writing and classical composition are not that distinctly different.