Terri Benz earned her Bachelor of Music degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL and her Masters in Music degree, specializing in Choral Conducting, from Western Illinois University.

After teaching for 11 years at MacMurray, Terri left to open her own music studio where she teaches both voice and piano. She still retains the position of College Organist and is musically involved in all concerts and special program events there. Terri has taught music courses at Lincoln Land Community College and is a paid accompanist at Illinois College, both institutions located in Jacksonville.

Terri has been Director of Music at Centenary United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She directs the choir and plays organ and piano there. She is also an adjudicator for ILMEA contests throughout Illinois.

Terri lives in Jacksonville and is married to Phil Benz. They have three children and four grandchildren.