Biography of Teresa Tedder

“Versatility, range and depth that’s extraordinary”

Teresa Tedder is regarded by many as one of the best choral composers in Kentucky who continues to pave her own unique path composing and directing sacred, secular, and stage scores. An ASCAP composer (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), Teresa has been commissioned by national choral associations, universities, churches and stage groups. She has written over 100 original songs and arrangements. Her arrangements include choral, vocal solo, piano, ensembles, orchestra and band.  Her versatility, range and depth as a composer is unique and extraordinary

The Teresa Tedder sound is moving, powerful and unique. When commissioned to compose for a sacred service, she does so with an uncommon contemporary feel that plays easily in a traditional setting while her vocal and orchestral arrangements of 16th century Latin works are breathtaking in complexity. Singers easily follow her natural lines of harmony, saying “The music almost sings itself.”  Her vast knowledge of choral voices combined with her music degrees give her the ability to write scores that mesmerize audiences. And she loves a challenge to venture into new areas as when she was commissioned to write history as music in two major multi-movement pieces I Have A Dream, based on the words and ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr. and With Malice Toward None based on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Clearly, versatile is the word that best describes Teresa.

Many years of piano performance and working with vocal and instrumental ensembles of all sizes and natures give her strong insight into writing with a wide and ingenious approach One of her ‘secret ingredients’ is the ability to interweave surprising rhythms and unexpected harmonies into traditional genres with ease and cleverness. It makes her music a wonderful surprise for the audience while still giving them a comfortable, home-fire warmth.

Teresa is an accomplished composer, but she has a passion for teaching. Her many years as a college music professor are evident in the ease and enthusiasm with which she leads choral clinics. She travels as a clinician for choirs, schools and universities and has served as Artist-in-Residence at St. Catherine College.