"Sweet" Sue Terry: Online Coaching

•••••• ONLINE COACHING WITH "SWEET" SUE TERRY ••••••

ARE YOU CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR PLAYING? IS DISTANCE, OR TIME, PREVENTING YOU FROM STUDYING? Here's your chance to get a lesson with the author of Practice Like The Pros and the Step One Sax/Clarinet series, and one of the world's top players--wherever in the world you are located!
There's nothing like a private consultation with an expert to jump-start your playing and understanding of music.

What you'll need: A computer with a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL, FIOS), computer speakers, and a microphone (or a headset with combined mic). Download Skype. Skype is a FREE program that allows users to talk to each other, and even SEE each other, over the Internet. Then we'll talk and play while you're in the comfort of your own studio. I record your lesson on my end, and e mail the audio or video to you so you can refer to it whenever you like.

The advantages to studying over the Internet are many:

• No need to take notes during the session. You receive the audio or video recording of the session in an e mail. It will then be in your computer, where you can refer to it as many times as you like, and play back certain sections many times if need be.
• You become part of an "inner circle" of players who share real, practical knowledge that is useful on a gig.
• Because we are recording the session, I can include a lot more information than I normally would in a "live" lesson. Too much information can be a hindrance to learning, because one cannot focus on too many things at once. A lot of it goes "in one ear and out the other", and you feel disappointed that you may not have retained as much as you'd like. Having a recording eliminates this problem.
• Many instrumentalists live in areas where they don't have access to the top players and educators. People must have access to the right information in order to improve their playing. I want to help you solve your problems on the horn. When all of us--including me--keep raising our skills, this can only be a good thing for the evolution of saxophone playing in the world.
• Your investment of time and money will pay for itself when you get that gig you've been wanting, or when your friends and family start commenting about how much better you sound lately.
• The exercises that I give my students are the same ones that I learned from my teachers, like Jackie McLean and Barry Harris. I have continued to develop and adapt these exercises to the needs of today's player, in addition to compiling my own exercises that I have created throughout my career as a player and educator.
• As you continue to study, you will have a gradual, detailed record of your progress on video or audio.

This is the new way to study. You know you're tired of that plateau you've been on. Let's take your playing to the summit! I look forward to hearing you play and improve!" --ST

Scroll down for the FAQ and Testimonials from students worldwide, as well as video of a live lesson!

T E S T I M O N I A L S

Letters from Students - Thanks to you all!

"Sue I bought your book Practice Like The Pros which is just great, I just ordered Step One playing the Tenor Saxophone from Amazon . . . I have to say you're just brilliant and you come across as a real genuine soul." --James Sullivan, United Kingdom

"Sweet Sue Terry is one of the reasons I picked up the sax again after a 30-year hiatus. Her innate ability to really understand complex rhythms and melodies and turn them into solid jazz conversations continues to drive me to the woodshed."--Jim Glass, Jr., Seattle

"Thank you for all the years of teaching & guidance. You have inspired me, and made me truly fall in love with music. I will always remember everything you have done for me. I hope to see you throughout my college career!" -- Nicholas Sorrentino, Queens, NY

"I can't thank you enough for the lesson you gave me. It was a great intervallic eye opener for me, and a great learning experience." --Mike Korch, student, Berklee College of Music

"Well, with comments from my students such as "this was the best jazz clinic we've ever had" and comments from the audience members such as " this was the most fun I've had at a concert in years", I would have to conclude your visit to Eau Claire was a SMASHING success, Sue. On behalf of all my students, and a very appreciative audience, thanks so much for bringing your world-class talent, your infectious positve nature, and your intuitive educational skills to us in Wisconsin. We hope to see you again, soon!" --Bruce Hering, Jazz Dept. Director, Eau Claire Memorial HS, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"I feel it is important to share with you that I began on the alto saxophone about 2 ½ years ago. Your 'Step One: Play Alto Sax' book and CD played an important role in my success and dedication as a beginner on the instrument. I recently purchased your “Practice Like the Pros” book and CD, and I look forward to utilizing the ideas presented. Thank you for these solid products, and the insight and inspiration from your success."--Daniel

"Dear Sue, Greetings from everyone at Yamaha! This plaque is sent as a small token of our appreciation for your efforts. We hope you will take a moment and hang this with pride, to let everyone know that we are proud to have you on our team. As the plaque says, you truly do exemplify the highest standards in musicianship and continued commitment to music education. We at Yamaha recognize these qualities and are honored to make the instrument of your choice." --John Wittmann, Artist Relations Manager, Yamaha Corp. of America

"Thank you for the article. I will endeavor to make a habit of dedicating at least five minutes to long tones every practice session, and train my ears to listen, decipher, and learn the different levels of tone. Being new to this 'hobby' (I am on my 3rd week) at my age (45), I am sure I need that exercise to develop a correct and strong embouchure." --Jun M.

"I read your article on the web, "The Secret of a Good Sound". I enjoyed it very much. It is little tips like this us novice/closet players need so much. Thank you for the article, thank you for taking the time to write it for us." --Bill Rafferty

"I enjoyed the simplicity and directness of your column. Please keep it up." --Barron S.

"Bought your book, and think it's great. Full of good ideas for old folk like me (39) who have decided they want to take the sax back up, after a long break." --Douglas Thomson, Glasgow, Scotland

"Thanks for your words of encouragement on Sax on the Web forum. I began alto sax lessons 2 years ago. As a middle-aged woman, I am most interested in developing my own clear, crisp, distinctive sound. I struggle with breath control and sustaining notes for vibrato, etc. Looks like practicing daily long notes may help. What an impressive resume you have built. Congratulations on an outstanding career." --Midnyte

"My husband has been taking sax lessons for about a year now. He is 50 years old and this is something he has always wanted to do but kept putting off because of the home and work demands. He enjoys playing the sax and is always thirsty to learn more. Now the problem: His friends keep telling him that 50 is too old to start learning to play the sax and that he should give it up. He has great respect for your work so I thought I would ask for your opinion. Do you think 50 is too old to start playing the sax? I am anxiously awaiting your reply. Thank you." --Tracy

(What do you think I told this woman? YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD! I even suggested that he give up his friends instead of his saxophone!--ST)

"I'm an 'extreme' beginner and I'm trying to read and learn, as much as I can, from individuals like yourself to help me play better. I'm two weeks into playing my sax and terminologies like altissimo, 'edge' sound, shadow tone, etc., are very new to me. I'm not even sure whether to use a 1 1/2 or 2 reed to start and why increase the reed when you get better. I'm not even sure how to practice, which comes to my next question. Would your book "Practice Like The Pros" help a beginner like me? Any additional information you can suggest to help improve my playing would be appreciated. Have a great day Sue." --D. Dineros

"Thank you for taking time out of your hectic schedule to reply to my e-mail. . . If it were not for people like yourself who are kind enough to give away secrets that you have learned over many years of practice, my road would be even more difficult. Thank you." --DeWayne Pitts, Seattle, WA

"Dear Sweet Sue, I feel honored that you took the time to answer my e-mail. I cannot thank you enough for the valuable advice you gave me. I will try to use all of it that I can. I am taking your letter with me when I go back to the ship as well as the small electronic keyboard, which is a phenomenal idea. I have a long way to go but you have shortened the journey tremendously. Thank you so much!!!" --Robert Milici

"Many thanks to you for the information regarding embouchure fatigue, and I especially thank you for enclosing the attachment. Very informative, and much more than appreciated." --Rob E.

"Thank you so much for Inspiration, both from listening to your music and meeting you. It was incredibly uplifting, and something that I will always remember and look back to where any art is concerned, but as for music, it made me appreciate the saxophone more than I ever could have thought. Just thinking back on it, there seems too much to say, except it tends to be as atmospheric as music is and too ethereal to catch in words so--Thank You, and thank you also for the CDs and the notes you wrote on them--it meant, and still means, a lot to me."--Liz Koemets, Brooklyn NY

"Thank you so much for all the help you gave to us today at Patuxent High School. I really enjoyed the class and didn't really have enough time to stay and talk to you. If you don't remember me, I play trumpet. I did get the opportunity to talk to you for just a minute after the class. I really did enjoy it and learned a lot from it. You are also an AWESOME sax player." --Larry Hogan

F A Q

Q: What can we work on in the lessons?
A: Our goal is to improve your playing by focusing on weak links in the chain. You probably know instinctively what you need, and when I hear you play I'll hear additional qualities that we could work on. Improvisation, finding ideas, technique, tone quality, music theory, composition, arranging, overcoming stage fright, creativity, inner hearing, practicing, sight reading and doubling are examples of essential skills for any player.

Q: Should I tell you what books I'm currently using?
A: I can help you get the most out of whatever practice books you're currently using. Virtually any practice book can serve more than one function if you know how to apply my system.

Q: What instruments do you play?
A: My main instruments are saxophone, clarinet, flute. Jazz and Classical. I also play some piano and guitar, mainly for songwriting and composing/arranging.

Q: What computer equipment do I need?
A: You'll need a computer with speakers and a microphone (internal or external), and a broadband internet connection (cable, DSL, FIOS, etc.) If you have a web camera too, then we can do video! We will use a free program called Skype. If you don't have Skype , you can download it quickly & easily. It is completely free.

Q: Is it possible to make a recording of the lesson?
A: Definitely. I record the lesson and send you the video or mp3 file via e mail. This way you can have it to refer to, anytime you want a refresher, a review, or just some inspiration! As you continue with lessons, you will also have a record of your progress.

Q: I already have a teacher. Would I be able to learn different things from you?
A: Learn from everyone you can. That's what I do. Every teacher has her/his own perspective and can shine the flashlight a different way.

Q: Do you teach beginners too?
A: I will be happy to assess a beginner's level and needs if he/she signs up for a lesson.

Q: I know I need help but I'm not sure what I should be working on. Can you listen to my playing and advise me?
A: Exactly. We'll set you up with exercises that will help you get to the next level and beyond. Essential skills--ear training, for instance--are often overlooked by students; we will address those issues and put you back on track.

Q: How do I start?
A: Send an e mail (with "Lessons" in the subject line) to : qinote@me.com. Tell me who you are and where you're from. Include a brief summary of your playing background, and what you'd like to work on. When I get your e mail, I will respond and perhaps ask you more questions, so we can both be prepared: you will be as objective as you can in describing what you need help with, and I will get an idea of your experience and your goals. Your description doesn't need to be technical--that's MY job! You can say "I want a better tone," or "When I see a lot of chord changes I get confused," or "Every time I play this part my fingers fumble and I mess it up." From intermediate or advanced players, I'll often hear questions like "I get frustrated when I see a sequence of dominant 7th chords-how should I approach that," or "I feel like I'm in a rut. How do you get new ideas for improvisation?" or "I want to feel more confident. What can I do to improve my musicianship?"

Q: How much are lessons?
A: $125 USD per lesson. You'll go to PayPal and send this amount to QINOTE@ME.COM, then we'll set up the lesson time.

Q: Are there discounts available?
A: Yes! Sign up for 4 lessons and save 15%! (total: $425 for 4 lessons).

Q: Will I get any exercises to practice in between lessons?
A: Absolutely. Along with the recording, I'll be sending you .pdf files of exercises for you to practice between lessons.

Q: Can I just take one lesson?
A: Sure. But if you can, a couple lessons a month will keep you inspired and motivated to practice and play more.

Q: I don't play an instrument, but my niece does. Can I buy her some lessons as a gift?
A: Certainly.

Q: Can you teach me to play as well as you?
A: You don't need to play like me, you need to play like YOU! Everyone has their own unique way of expressing themselves, and no one can be you better than you can. Every human being's speaking voice is different. In the same way, if you line up ten alto sax players in a row and listen to them play, each one has their own unique sound. This is due to the players focusing on the timbre and overtones that are most pleasing to them. My system teaches you how to hear the hidden parts of the aural spectrum, and apply those perceptions to your personal sound, refining its quality and making it even more personal and unique.

SOME PAST STUDENTS:

Emily King--Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter/guitarist. Latest release: East Side Story, J Records http://www.myspace.com/emilykingmusic

Giancarlo Vulcano--composer/guitarist. Latest film score: Love and Roadkill http://giancarlovulcano.typepad.com/

Paule Diamond--saxophonist & Director of Graphics Production--BMG Columbia, Bertelsmann

Grey McMurray--singer/songwriter. Bands include Itsnotyouitsme, Muchgrey http://www.myspace.com/muchgrey