Terry Breen Music
About
Hello Budding Songwriters!
My name is Terry Breen, and I have a unique, fun way of teaching songwriting that I customize to the needs of each student. It is built around starting simply, with a two-part (verse-and-chorus) song, and going from there.
I encourage students to write songs that are constructive, compassionate, and capable of inspiring a positive change in the world.
I offer my expertise in writing songs on my own and with collaborators. I have been a professional singer-songwriter for more than 30 years, and have more than 20 years of experience as a songwriting teacher. I am currently on the faculty of Family Piano as a songwriting instructor, and have taught group songwriting classes within the Mundelein and Libertyville school system, as well as in corporations as team-building exercises.
I also have more than a decade of experience as a college writing instructor, with more than five years now under my belt as a faculty member at Northwestern University. I am the creator of six song-oriented albums, and the recipient of a songwriting award from National Public Radio.
My songs have been broadcast all over the world, and I have peformed throughout North America and Europe. I have created a musical called Romance Is Such A Funny Thing that premiered in 2020, as well as a new musical called Love Over Easy that is set to premiere in 2021.
I am currently a featured music performer at two Chicago-area retail chains--Mariano's and Barbara's Bookstores--at which I perform only my original songs. I am the only such music act to do so at these locations.
In regard to my availablity as a songwriting instructor, I am very flexible. So let's set up a process that's easy and fun for you.
Tunefully,
Terry Breen
(773) 480-2768
I enjoy helping awaken the power of songwriting in musicians who might not understand how to compose songs. Songs are sort of an unusual type of composition, in which just a few words and simple, accessible music can have a big impact--but only if approached in a positive way. I offer insights that can free up the songwriting genie in just about anyone, regardless of musical ability.
I enjoy using a unique, fun way of teaching songwriting that's customized to the needs of each student. It's built around starting simply, with a two-part (verse-and-chorus) song, and then going from there.
I enjoy encouraging students to write songs in the style in which I have found great joy: songs that are constructive, compassionate, and capable of inspiring positive change in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have a unique, fun way of teaching songwriting that I customize to the needs of each student. It is built around starting simply, with a two-part (verse-and-chorus) song, and going from there.
I offer my expertise in writing songs on my own and with collaborators over many years.
In regard to my availablity as a songwriting instructor, I am very flexible. I set up a process that's convenient for each student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been writing songs since my teenage years. I have a bachelor's degree (magna cum laude) in English with a concentration in writing from Case Western Reserve University, a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and I studied guitar, piano, voice, songwriting, and composition at music schools in Cleveland and Chicago, including the Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago, and with noted Chicago musicians Erwin Helfer, David Drazin, Andrew Tuite, and Nico Barberan.
I have been a professional singer-songwriter for more than 30 years, and have more than 20 years of experience as a songwriting teacher. I am currently on the faculty of Family Piano in Waukegan and Niles as a songwriting instructor, and have taught group songwriting classes within the Mundelein and Libertyville school systems, as well as in corporations as team-building exercises.
I also have more than a decade of experience as a college writing instructor, with more than five years now under my belt as a faculty member at Northwestern University.
I am the creator of six song-oriented albums, and the recipient of a songwriting award from National Public Radio.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I am flexible on pricing, but use a base rate of $40 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching writing as a senior in college and have continued ever since. I started teaching songwriting to groups as a communication consultant to corporations. That was more than 20 years ago. I expanded this practice, which led a group in writing a song within an hour, to other groups, as well as on an individual basis.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages and backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Performing my original songs to countless shoppers at Mariano's stores since 2018.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who can meet your needs.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I want to write songs?
What do I want to do with them?