MJ Territo

Performance: MJ Territo is a frequent performer in the tri-state area. Her jazz ensembles present a variety of jazz standards, particularly lesser-known tunes, as well as original compositions. She is the founder of "Ladies Day", an ensemble of women jazz musicians celebrating the contributions of women composers and lyricists.
Music Education: As a music educator MJ focuses on the joy in the moment, strives to provide an opportunity for students of all ages and abilities to find their unique voices and to make music with comfort and confidence. She believes that jazz is a wonderful medium for teaching the building blocks of music, but is also so much more in its ability to involve the whole student and connect students to the wider world. Jazz captures the best of the American spirit of multi-culturalism and individual contributions to an ever-evolving whole. Jazz improvisation stretches the mind and its rhythms engage the body.
MJ is proud to be on the Teaching Artist Roster of ArtsWestchester, and is available for jazz residencies for students of all ages, as well as for early childhood music residencies and workshops for early childhood educators.
She is also on the Teaching Artist Roster of Lifetime Arts (www.lifetimearts.org), at the intersection of aging and the arts, and is available to work with older adults.
In her private studio, MJ works with vocal jazz students, particularly in the areas of improvisation (scat singing), repertoire selection, and chart preparation.
Composer/Lyricist: MJ collaborates frequently as a lyricist with jazz composers, and also writes her own songs. She is a member of ASCAP.

Education

BA, University of Pennsylvania
Dalcroze Eurythmics
Registered Music Together Teacher