The new movie "Swishbucklers," a Three Musketeers style comedy produced by Francois Petit.

I was recently invited to a screening of the movie "Swishbucklers" which I had the fun experience of acting in. It is a modern day comedy based on a remake of The Three Musketeers. World renowned martial artist Francois Petit, my Karate Sensai, cast me as one of the Guards. We had intensive sword training (rapier) and etiquette classes to prepare us for our roles. Our fight coordinator was Luke LaFontaine... an excellent coach. I learned a lot and had a blast being a part of this film.

Yes We Can

What a proud day for us all! Congratulations to President Barack Obama for a race well run.

Recording with composer Daniel Walker, conductor Ashley Irwin, and engineer Peter Kelsey at Capitol Recording Studio

We just completed a wonderful orchestral session at one of my favorite studios, Studio A in the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. Composer Dan Walker and I recorded the guitar tracks at Ollie Llama Studio, my personal studio. I was invited to the string session and did not want to miss the opportunity to hear live strings being recorded in one of the best sounding studios in the world. Dan wrote some beautiful music and the session was a success!

Dirty Sexy Money on ABC

It's always something different, and I guess that's part of what keeps living the life of an Artist so interesting. I was asked to perform on camera for the new season of ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money"  as a band member at a black tie affair.  The party scene was taped on a 120 foot yacht in a beautiful marina in South Long Beach. Since it was shot on location, we filmed for two nights until the sun came up... I'm still tired!

Mindi Abair and Terry Wollman in the studio recording "Mandela" ... composed by Keb' Mo' and Terry

This is about two very good friends of mine... Keb' Mo' and Mindi Abair. A few months ago Keb' Mo' and I wrote a song called Mandela. We both thought it would be great to have Mindi play alto sax on it, and as ususal, she played her heart out... MINDI ROCKS! Here is a photo of recording engineer Kenji Nakai,  Peak Records recording artist Mindi Abair, and me during our session. It's great to be back in the studio again working on my new record!!!

Robbyn Kirmsse, Tony Shogren, Jervonny (JV) Collier, Basil Fung, Guy Moon, Michael Levine, and myself performing at Kulak's Woodshed

Performed for a live "webcast" last night at Kulak's Woodshed with the exquisitely talented Robbyn Kirmsse.  The band was Robbyn (Vocals), Tony Shogren (Cajon & Drums), Jervonny Collier (Acoustic & Electric Bass), Basil Fung (Guitars & Gizmos), and me (Music Directing & Acoustic Guitar). We also had sitting in with us award winning television composers Michael Levine (Electric Violin) and Guy Moon (Piano). Robbyn also invited a few other amazing songwriters to perform and it was an inspired evening. We all had a blast! This is a picture of JV Collier (bass), Robbyn, and me right after our show. Go check out Robbyn at www.robbynkirmsse.com to hear some of her original songs... she is a fantastic songwriter and singer... I mean it! Go hear for yourself.

Kenneth Cole

                                                                                                      We just performed for a West Coast "Kenneth Cole" event to kick off their cool new summer clothing line.  I was very happy to get Tom Evans (sax) and Gregory Wachter (piano) to join me in this Trio for a really fun show. Check out our new wardrobe... 

Disney Hall - Los Angeles performances

We recently performed at the beautiful Disney Hall for a few "high end" corporate parties. My band was invited to play for both IBM and for The Neil Bogart Foundation's annual fundraiser for T.J. Martell Foundation.  Both events were a huge success. 

Amia Dane, Lori Barth & Terry Wollman - Songwriting Team

Just released, Amia Dane's debut CD entitled "Have Mercy" has a new song we wrote called "Waiting." It is a cool vibey vocal tune written by me, Amia Dane, and Lori Barth. I also added guitars and keyboard parts. We will performing in June at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of Amia's new album.

Samantha Who on ABC

Just completed working on an episode of "Samantha Who" with Emmy nominated composer Jan Stevens. This episode featured some of Jan's musical influences from around the world... covering styles like Brazilian Bossa and French Gypsy music on the nylon string guitar, and even breaking out the Wah-wah pedal for some contemporary underscore. Check out Samantha Who and Scrubs to hear some great tv music!

Terry Wollman and Kevin Chokan playing the "Gibson L5" at the Gibson Artist Relations West Coast Showroom

My long time friend Kevin Chokan (Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne) and I had the opportunity to visit the Gibson Artist Relations showroom in Los Angeles. We got to sample some of their amazing vintage and new instruments... more fun that 2 kids in a candy store. The L5 guitar I'm playing is the same one I played on Desperate Housewives.

Terry Wollman, Ken Stacey, Ron Walters Jr., and Melanie Taylor

In the studio with session vocalists Ken Stacey and Melanie Taylor (not pictured), along with music director Ron Walters Jr., recording background vocals for Barry Manilow. Ken and Melanie can SING!!! Melanie is the one taking the picture.

In the studio with Terry Wollman and Bill Conti, working on the upcoming feature film "The Perfect Game."

I just finished working with legendary film composer Bill Conti on the score of his next feature film, “The Perfect Game”. Mr. Conti's music, as usual, was beautiful. 

I recorded all of my nylon guitar, steel string guitar, and vihuela parts in Ollie Llama Studio, my personal recording studio. The orchestra and trumpet soloist Wayne Bergeron were recorded and mixed at Capitol Studios. The film is slated for a summer release and stars Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Moises Arias, and Louis Gossett, Jr..

Go see it with your kids. If you don't have your own... borrow some from a friend or neighbor. It's a great movie based on a true story!

When Opportunity Knocks

As musicians we work, or at least hope to, in a business that is based on contacts, opportunities, and one's reputation. In most cases, the ones who are successful get there by working hard and developing lasting relationships.

Many major producers hire the same people to work on their big budget recordings as they hired on their earlier low budget demos. It is so important to do your best work always, regardless of the pay. You just never know who is going to be the next big time recording artist or film/television producer.

Be "open" to work possibilities. I have lost count of how many times something that initially seemed like a bad deal has led to major work opportunities. Consider other factors besides the money. We are in a service business and certainly should be compensated fairly for our time. The problem is there will always be another musician willing to do the job for less money than you and your clients will not hesitate to let you know this.

I have seen many a composer walk away from an opportunity to get their music heard just because the contract wasn't exactly right or the money was too low. I am not suggesting you give your music away, just that you stay flexible in your decision making process. Although it is crucial to thoroughly review all contracts and legal agreements, it's also important to consider the other benefits of accepting a job. Keep in mind, the more your work is out there, the more momentum and income your catalog will generate.

Set a standard of excellence in whatever you do. Be dedicated in your writing and humble about the work you create. Composing with this work ethic will raise the quality of your music, benefit everyone involved, and will propel your career forward. Don't just look at the individual situation . . . stand back and try to see the larger picture. Remember, there is no room for arrogance in our business, just confidence. You might think that your work is as good as everyone else's, but until your work is out there nobody will ever know your talent.

There are many ways to create income as a composer and the fees can range from low to quite high. It is important to remember that this is not your first and will certainly not be the last song you will ever write. An experienced composer knows that there are more songs where that one came from. As much as you might love the song you're holding on to, it is wiser to get it out there than to keep it on the shelf. I know many talented writers sitting on great songs that might never be heard.

Remember, there is no shortage of composers who are capable of sitting down and completing a well crafted song in a single afternoon. They are able to do this because they have studied their craft and because they are constantly composing and creating new music. These writers have built up a catalog of songs that have found there way on to films, television shows, and CD's. Their deals have ranged from work for hire, keeping/splitting/or giving away publishing, and collecting or waiving sync license fees.

Every deal is different. Some good, some great, and some disappointing. The important thing is to keep writing and to actually find ways of "releasing" your music. Try to keep in mind the act of releasing implies a certain degree of letting go. Having a long career requires dedication and flexibility, both in your ability to compose and in your willingness to take a broader look at your business options. So, next time, when opportunity knocks . . . remember to open the door.

Grammy-nominated guitarist / composer Terry Wollman has enjoyed a successful career in film and television music.