“Like sculpture which defies gravity, or like dance which belies what
we know of the body, Miss Rakov’s voice is a challenge to nature and artful
for it, moving smoothly through unexpected ranges and volumes
and making it feel comfortable”
Anthony Bannon, The Buffalo News
THE PERFORMER
Terry Rakov deGroat (aka Theresa Rakov) appeared on Broadway with Carol Channing in the revival of Hello Dolly, and with Joel Grey in Jerry Herman’s The Grand Tour. She toured nationally as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls with Maureen McGovern and in Zorba with Anthony Quinn, serving as Mr. Quinn’s vocal coach as well as appearing with him on stage. Off Broadway, Ms. Rakov appeared in Romance Is at the Perry St.Theater and in Bittersuite at the Quaigh. She shared the stage with Faith Prince as the Ugly Stepsisters in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the CLO in Pittsburgh, and then returned as Julie in Showboat, Marge MacDougal in Promises, Promises and The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz with Cathy Rigby. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman brought Ms. Rakov to the Arena Stage in Washington DC to appear in a production of their off broadway hit God Bless You Mr. Rosewater. Other regional credits include Man of La Mancha with John Raitt, A Little Night Music at the Walnut St Theater in Philadelphia, Gypsy at the Kansas City Starlight, Annie Get Your Gun at Art Park and Kate in three separate productions of Kiss Me Kate.
Also an acclaimed cabaret and concert performer, Ms. Rakov has appeared in clubs and on stages in New York City, Washington D.C., Westchester NY, and beyond. Most recently, she produced and appeared with Mason Griffin in “Bosom Buddies, songs by Jerry Herman”at the Duplex in NYC, The Loft in Maryland and The Pines in Rehoboth Beach. The duo also appeared at Tin Pan Alley in Provincetown, MA.
A New Yorker at heart, Terry lives in Manhattan with her foster fail pup, ChiChi. She is the proud Mom of Emma Lou and Hal, and doting Bubbie to Mark.
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THE TEACHER
As a professional singer and performer herself , Terry knows first hand that finding the right voice teacher and vocal coach can be a daunting challenge. Where do you find someone with experience, training, and a talent for communicating and connecting with a wide and varied range of students who have a wide and varied set of goals? Becoming just that teacher has been one of the greatest accomplishments, as well as one of the greatest joys, of Terry’s career.
Beginning with earning a Bachelor of performance at the State University College of Fredonia, and culminating with the completion of a teaching apprenticeship with the brilliant Laura Thomas, Terry has developed into a teacher uniquely qualified to help you achieve your singing and performing goals.
What does she teach?
The Bob Kobin Vocal technique.
Taught to Terry by Laura Thomas, a contemporary of Barbara Cook and a student and protege of Bob Kobin, this technique has empowered and protected Terry as a singer over many years. Whatever your singing goal, it starts and ends with good, solid vocal technique.
Overcoming your personal blocks to your success.
Knowing and practicing good technique is imperative but it is not the whole picture. Together with Terry you will identify and target the things that are standing in the way of you achieving your goals, and make a step by step plan to overcome them. She will be a consistent, solid, comforting source of support for you throughout the process.
How does she teach?
Terry prefers to teach in person whenever possible but does also offer lessons online.
Sessions last one hour and are uniquely structured to meet the needs of each individual student.
On occasion, it may be determined that having an accompanist would be a worthwhile addition to a regular lesson.
Terry is also available for Master Classes
How much does she charge?
Terry is currently offering an introductory price of $75 per lesson
If an accompanist is provided there is an additional charge determined by the accompanist.
Master Classes are priced on an individual basis, depending on the size of the class and the location
How do I get started?
Send a message to Terry through this site and provide your contact information. She will be in touch to arrange a free 15 min consult on the phone.