Talent is echoing through the halls on campus. Former Salt Lake Community College student Terrell Williams, a pop/rock singer and songwriter is one main reason. His talent is waiting to be heard by many.
Williams is locally known for playing gigs around the Salt Lake valley as well as some featured gigs with his band Sameday Acceptance at Bear Lake and in Park City. He performs at the open mic at Redwood Campus and jams with his band weekly. Although he seems well on his way, his path has been all but easy.
He was raised in what he calls “a traditional and conservative family,” but those tender years were all but smooth sailing. Having an older brother who is bipolar, Williams got used to the cops being at his house for his brothers’ violent outbursts and filling out police reports became a theme.
“Growing up was a difficult thing, especially with my brother in the house. We’d all get along one moment and the next the cops would be at our house for him violently fighting with my parents,” Williams states. “These are years I’d like to forget, but they’ve definitely molded my character and music has allowed me to emotionally vent from some traumatic family experiences of my childhood.”
While taking piano lessons for two years as a child he noticed reading the music seemed extra difficult. Doctors found out that Williams suffers with dyslexia, a disorder that jumbles words and symbols around, making it nearly impossible to read sheet music.
“Having dyslexia has been one major obstacle in my life, but it has proved to be a good thing because I no longer play sheet music but rather song write and play songs by ear that I hear on the radio instead. God has given me the magical ear to know what sounds good,” he says.
Williams is currently 22 years-old and living in West Jordan, Utah. He is preparing for auditions for a vocal performance scholarship at Weber State this next month.
“I plan on getting this (scholarship) and letting my music abilities reach their full potential.” His long-term goal he says is to be a professional singer/songwriter and teach vocal performance on the side.
“Music is my life, my passion, and the talent God has given me to reach the world by relating with those who are having a hard time and touching their heart in any way I can so they can find hope through music.”