Hi Terry, where do you currently reside?
I live in New York.
How many years have you been playing?
I joined the musicians union when I was eleven years old, after asking my father if he would arrange for my "band" to perform in the school gym. The principal told my father it could happen if it was legit and I joined the union. So, I did. The band line-up included Sheila Jordan on vocals and Harry Leahey on guitar, Barry Miles on piano. I'm grateful to have gotten off to a good start.
What musicians influenced you?
I grew up listening to various styles of music.
Jazz :Tony Williams, Max Roach, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, and Barry Miles
Classical: Beethoven, Mahler, Wagner, and Rachmaninoff
Indian: Allah Rakha and Ravi Shankar
Pop: The Beatles, Laura Nyro, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Edgar Winter, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin
How many bands have you been in?
The only bands I've officially been a permanent member of are Barry Miles and Silverlight, my Terry Silverlight Band, and Manhattan Jazz Orchestra (MJO). I set out to be a freelancer allowing me to experience available musical challenges and the freedom to explore a variety of opportunities. By doing so, I've gotten to play with lots of great artists/musicians on many recordings and live performances and wrote a library of music that's been published, recorded and performed. Some artists I played with for longer periods than others. For instance, I played on all of Roberta Flack's live performances from 1986-1988 with the understanding that I could come and go as needed. I ended up making all of her gigs anyway.
What's it like to gig?
That's a great question deserving a detailed answer because each gig is different resulting in individual stories and experiences. To generalize, I feel lucky to have gotten the opportunity to do professionally what I dreamed of when I was a kid.... to play many styles of music with many of the greatest musicians in the world (your husband, guitarist, and musician - extraordinaire Al Egizi is definitely on this list). Playing a gig is one of the most joyful and inspiring experiences I can think of.
How often do you practice?
When I was developing, I practiced relentlessly. Time doesn't allow for me to practice as much as I'd like at this point because I'm continually busy playing gigs, writing music and living life, however, within these activities, I'm constantly learning, growing and thinking. So, I feel that I'm still practicing all the time.
Tell us about your gear.
My gear for composing music is compact these days. I used to have a bunch of outboard gear and tape recorders. Now I do everything digitally with a laptop, virtual instruments (unless I hire an outside musician or play live drums myself... all of which I'm set up for in my studio) and a modest board.
As for my drumming gear, I endorse and play the following products:
Gretsch drums: http://gretschdrums/artists/terry-silverlight
Paiste cymbals: http://paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php
Evans drumheads: http://evansdrumheads.com/EvArtistDetail.Page
ProMark sticks: http://promark.com/pmArtistDetail.Page
LP percussion: http://www.lpmusic.com/artists/artist/terry-silverlight
Puresound snare wires: http://www.puresoundpercusion.com/PSPArtistDetails.Page
What advice would you give a newbie musician?
Have fun with music, enjoy it, love it, and have a great time. Given that, there's no substitution for hard work and dedicating lots of time practicing, studying, listening and playing/writing (or whatever area you decide to go into). One thing I've learned by teaching is that I see some talented students who say they want to learn, but when it actually comes down to it, I don't see their drive, passion, love and desire to actually put in the time needed to excel. Every now and then, someone with talent comes along who actually has and implements those attributes and they're the one who becomes a successful, professional musician. It's hard work, but if you love and enjoy what you're doing, you get through the difficult moments much easier. Also, having a good attitude is important. I always try to come into work open minded and willing to do whatever I can to help make the music and everyone around me comfortable and sound as good as possible. Being reliable is another important characteristic.
What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
I'm fortunate to have had several.
Here are some links to my career info:
http://www.terrysilverlight.com
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/terry-silverlight/id7936986
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TerrySilverlight
http://www.youtube.com/user/terrysilverlight/videos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Silverlight
http://www.facebook.com/terrysilverlight
http://twitter.com/SilverlightDrum
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