Terrell X’avion / Terrell X has spent almost 30 years making music, motivational speaking, performing live as a one-man band, touring the world, and working with youth and adults from various socio-economic backgrounds. He possesses a knack for producing intense, thought-provoking music and establishing strong, healthy relationships. 16 years of teaching human beatboxing/vocal percussion, songwriting, and composing short stage plays have helped Terrell build an impressive artist resume that extends all the way to Europe (5 tours between 2011 and 2013) and Asia (toured in 2018). Terrell stands firm in his support and practice of positive self-expression and nurturing leadership skills building. He also speaks in favor of social justice, human rights, and advocacy for the lives and well-being of animals. Terrell encourages mentees to seek personal and artistic growth through education and music – just as he has done for himself. He emits heart-warming, down-to-earth energy when speaking on his experiences around living in poverty and surviving all forms of abuse – as well as growing up in the foster care system as a youth, in welcoming settings. Terrell’s professional services are highly-respected wherever they are implemented. MacPhail Center For Music, COMPAS, and SteppingStone Theatre employee contract and consistently contract home for instruction. Even though he plays over 100 live shows a year, Terrell still finds time to teach private lessons, book his own national tours, and be a father.
Terrell X’avion is a returning MacPhail Global Music Initiative Teaching Artist-in-Residence since 2022, currently joining the roster for 2026-2027. He has worked with MacPhail since 2009, building a strong reputation for his welcoming approach to instruction and innovative live performances.
Terrell also partners with MacPhail guitar instructor, Ben Abrahamson, as instructors for the Sound Rebels Ensemble at MacPhail. These sessions offer a judgment-free environment for instrumentalists and vocalists of all skill levels in their artistic development, to explore the heights and depths of creativity through improvisation and in-the-moment song composition.
His HUMAN BEAT BOXING, RAPPING & PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES courses focus briefly on the origins of Hip-Hop as a culture and its key elements. Human Beat Boxing (Vocal Percussion) concepts will be taught to ensure skill-building for grades K through 12. Songwriting, the building of stage presence, and audience engagement tactics will encourage grades 6 through 12 to perform live confidently. Both clinics are also adaptable for college-level participants.