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About Terri Hendrix
From her salad days in the ’90s, juggling multiple gigs a day in her native San Antonio and the Hill Country, to playing listening rooms and festivals across the country and overseas, Terri Hendrix spent the first 20 years of her career establishing herself as one of the most successful independent Texas artists of her generation. A tireless work ethic and the disarmingly feel-good spirit of her live shows seeded her grassroots fanbase, but it was the emotional depth and stylistic range of her songwriting (folk, Americana, pop, jazz, blues, and even children’s music) and serious vocal and instrumental chops that ultimately garnered her critical and peer acclaim. She’s also long been prolific and DIY to the core, releasing all 19 of her albums on her own Wilory Records label, and received such honors as St. Mary's University's Art of Peace Award, induction into the San Marcos Women's Hall of Fame, and a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame. But that’s only half of her story. Hendrix achieved all of the above while living with epilepsy — and, more recently, spasmodic dysphonia and essential vocal tremor. And though she’s written candidly about the challenges of managing a music career with those health conditions, she’s been even more outspoken about her belief in the healing power of music. That’s what inspired the Own Your Own Universe (OYOU) — the 501 C3 non-profit she launched in 2012 with the mission “to empower and transform lives by connecting the mind, body, and spirit through the creative arts” via workshops, retreats, children’s music camps, support groups, and free or low-cost concerts. Hendrix leads many of the OYOU’s classes herself (having more than two decades of experience teaching her “Life’s a Song” songwriting workshop alongside Lloyd Maines, as well as guest workshops at festivals and the Berklee College of Music). But she also recruits other musicians, artists, and speakers, too, providing many of her peers the opportunity to share in the OYOU’s mission — and with fair pay for their work, to boot. Hendrix’s most inspiring OYOU program to date is “The SongBuddies Project,” an innovative workshop designed for students of all ages with cognitive impairments. To witness those students share their songs for family and friends at the end of a workshop is to see first hand just how transformative music really can be — and why Hendrix works so hard to share that message.
Texas Commission on the Arts
Workshops & Retreats
Pen to Paper - Coaching
Programs
" ... My name is Bobbie Novicke and I am the mother of a wonderful young man named Ashton Novicke.
I am writing to share information with you about how this Songwriters Workshop has impacted our son. While he is able to be a little independent he has a high level of difficulty with making and maintaining friendships with other young adults. When Ashton was asked if he wanted to participate in last year’s workshop little did we know how that would change his life. In the time spent with the songwriters and other attendees he gained confidence, friendship and eventually love. He felt seen, appreciated and celebrated.
He truly enjoyed his time spent with both songwriters and they were both so encouraging and supportive.
I don’t know how they put on such an amazing performance on show night after just two days with the performers but it was beyond amazing ..."
— Bobbie J. Novicke
Empowering Through the Arts
Terri Hendrix was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of twenty-one, but rather than allowing her health challenges to define her, she turned to her music, writing, and the creative arts as a means to thrive both personally and professionally.
Through her own journey, Terri discovered her true passion: to inspire others by introducing them to a diverse range of artistic expressions. She believes in providing the tools and pathways for individuals to live their best lives, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Her vision began with the idea of creating an inclusive space where everyone—regardless of financial circumstances, social or mobility challenges, age, or gender—can explore and enjoy the creative arts without fear of bias or discrimination.
The SongBuddies Project:
In line with this mission, Terri Hendrix has developed The SongBuddies Project, a program designed to accommodate individuals with cognitive impairments. She works with participants of all ages, including both verbal and nonverbal students.
Program Details:
- The Songbuddies Project caters to groups of up to 12 students but can also be customized for smaller groups or individual sessions.
- Sessions range from an immersive all-day experience of approximately 4 - 5 hours, complete with breaks, to shorter sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
- Terri is flexible and adjusts her schedule to meet the needs of both the students and the facility.
At the conclusion of the workshop, a student concert is often organized for family and friends, showcasing the creativity and progress made by the students during the sessions.
Experience Locations:
Terri has shared her passion at various organizations, including:
- Chase's Place, Richardson, TX
- Bugle Boy Foundation, And Then a New Day, Gray Legacy Services, La Grange, Smiley, and Schulenburg, TX
- The Scheib Center, San Marcos, TX
- Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research, Lubbock, TX
- Wilory Farm Center for the Arts, Martindale, TX
Performances
"Terri Hendrix has gotten ahold of something uncannily original down there in Texas and integrated it into a remarkably unique blend of spoken word Texas country music. You’ve never heard anything quite like her innovative rhythmic style, and on top of that ... her phenomenal harmonica skills. It’s fast-paced, recognizably folksy good music, but it’s also done with the most contemporary of lyrical deliveries, including a hip hop – inspired, breathy background vocal."
— Melissa Clarke Americana Highways
"Terri Hendrix is a woman of wit, wisdom and conviction: a poet with a wide smile and a deep heart. She leaves you feeling lighter, even though you can sense your exposure to something philosophically profound.” — Rocking Box 33 Series
Workshops
Songwriting
Creative Writing
Music Business
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Adult Programs
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& more!
Terri Hendrix has run her own independent record label since 1996, releasing all of her music through her website’s online store. Her work has been featured in independent films, commercials, and other formats.
For over 25 years, she has conducted “Life’s a Song” workshops — both solo and in collaboration with producer and Austin City Limits Hall of Fame inductee Lloyd Maines. Whether teaching on her own or with Maines, Hendrix offers an all-inclusive creative experience for everyone from beginners to actively performing musicians.
Attendees can expect candid conversations about releasing music independently in the digital age, as well as in-depth sessions on production, performance, and songwriting. Several handouts are provided, covering topics like alternate tunings, rhyme schemes, and songwriting structure.
Time is often divided between “The Part That Ain’t Art” (the music business) and “The Part That’s Art” (creative approaches to songwriting and production).
The workshops are presented in an interactive Q&A format, and participants are encouraged to bring instruments, notepads, and their curiosity. Each session is designed to inspire and empower musicians at every stage of their journey.
A student concert for family and friends is typically included at the conclusion of the workshop, retreat, or event.
Songwriting
Creative Writing
Music Business
Music Production
Music Instruction
Youth Programs 8 +
Terri Hendrix’s workshops and retreats are suitable for the following ages:
8–11
12–16
17+
Terri Hendrix offers a fun and inclusive music experience for kids ages 8 to 16. She leads many of these workshops on her own, drawing from decades of experience as a singer-songwriter, performer, and educator.
In some sessions, she’s joined by award-winning producer and Austin City Limits Hall of Fame inductee Lloyd Maines. Together or solo, these workshops welcome all skill levels—from first-time players to young performers.
Students will explore music, songwriting, and singing in a supportive, hands-on environment. Each session includes interactive lessons on melody, lyrics, rhythm, and creativity.
Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or already writing songs, this program encourages self-expression, builds confidence, and celebrates each child’s unique musical voice.
A student concert for family and friends is typically included at the conclusion of the workshop, retreat, or event.