ABOUT
Terence Koo
Jazz Musician
“I love working with Terence for so many reasons. Apart from the fact that he is a bloody great pianist, he is a sensitive accompanist, whose knowledge and feel complement my style of singing and entertaining. He is inventive and exciting but most of all, he really SWINGS! For jazz, time feel is of the essence and I feel that I can go anywhere with Terence Koo at the helm. He is professional and gives that little bit extra that makes him the superlative entertainer that he is.”
Su Cruickshank
Terence Koo is an Australian jazz pianist, composer, lecturer, teacher and recording artist. Born in Singapore, Terence holds a Master of Arts (Music), a Bachelor of Music, First Class Honours, the University Medal, an A.MUS.A. and a number of University scholarships and prizes. In 2017, Terence was awarded the University of Newcastle Faculty of Education and Arts Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Contribution to Student Learning.
Terence grew up in Tamworth, regional New South Wales, where he completed all his classical piano grades, and gained his Associate of Music (A.Mus.A.) aged fifteen. He came sixth in the state for music in his Higher School Certificate, and worked as a computer technician before moving to Newcastle to study music at the University Conservatorium. Terence studied under Carmel Lutton (OAM), and after completing his classical training, chose to specialise in jazz and contemporary music, genres about which he feels most passionate.
Terence has been the musical director for numerous bands and projects, performing around the country for guests including the Prime Minister. He has released three feature albums (Pieces of Rain, Lunacity, and disCOVERies), and been a session musician on many others. In early 2014, he played on the album Amazing by Marcia Hines, and has appeared in a music video featuring Marcia Hines and Russell Crowe.
Terence has also shared the stage with musicians such as: Tom Baker, Francine Bell, Nigel Butterley, Jon Cleary, Su Cruickshank, Andrew Firth, George Golla, Damien Leith, Bruce Mathiske, Wendy Matthews, John Morrison, Johnny Nicol, Glenn Shorrock, and Pippa Wilson.
Stylistically, Terence’s piano style has been described as smooth and elegant, passionate but subtle, continually striving for atmospheric colours, combining sensual harmonies with exciting swing grooves. Recently, Terence’s wicked sense of humour has seeped into his playing, making for some frivolous and highly entertaining performances.
His musical influences include: Oscar Peterson, Dave Grusin, Miles Davis, James Morrison, Diana Krall, Michel Camilo, Meatloaf, Michel Petrucciani, Joe Sample and Sting
PIANIST
Terence has over twenty years of experience working professional as a pianist. As a soloist, an extensive repertoire, combined with his expressive musical touch create ambient soundscapes, able to be enjoyed either as foreground or background music. As part of an ensemble, Terence’s music intensifies, melding enchanting beats with swing, Latin and contemporary flavours.
Go to Songlist
TEACHER
While classical teaching methods have many benefits, Terence believes jazz education provides a more thorough understanding of the musical language. Placing more emphasis on conceptual theory rather than playing pieces, terence believes that the student is far more empowered to interpret, compose and improvise over the music of their choice.
ACCOMPANIST
Terence has accompanied many artist for events and auditions, to HSC performances to Doctoral Conservatorium recitals. Ensembles can also be arranged if necessary. Please note that Terence now specialises solely in jazz and contemporary music (no classical). Rehearsals and backing tracks are also available.
Other musical services available include:
- Record Production
- Arrangement
- Composition/Songwriting
- Session Musician
- Musical Director