Teena Guarnere: My Greatest Influence by Zoë

Teena Guarnere: My Greatest Influence by Zoë - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I was struggling finding my place in the music program in high school, ROC Star Academy saved me. I loved music with all my heart, but my high school director repeatedly tore down my confidence. I began to hate chorus and being in musicals because I felt like I wasn’t good enough. Finally, I made the decision to try something new. I joined ROC Star Academy with the intention of wanting to be in a band, but I started with one-on-one vocal lessons first. The first lesson I had with Teena Guarnere, we connected instantly. Teena is the lead vocalist of many different bands in the Rochester, New York area and is extremely talented. She helped me in so many different ways. She brought out my “rock” voice so I could join a rock band, which I did a few months after lessons with her. She also helped me gain confidence. After two years of self-doubt in high school, lessons with Teena were like a breath of fresh air. She never made me feel inferior, she helped me learn how to belt, and she supported me every step of the way. Even though she was my coach at ROC Star Academy, she helped me prepare for my musical audition and attended the musical performance, as well as my senior recital and most of my shows with the band. Teena is the most energetic, friendly, supportive person I know and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. I do not plan on pursuing a career in music, however, working with Teena and the band has helped me realize that I can still keep it in my life. At college, I can continue with my band, as well as finding other students to collaborate with, possibly in a duo or trio. While my educational journey will lead me toward being a Radiation Therapist, Teena’s influence has inspired me to continue pursuing music and singing on the side in order to get me through the stressful journey and keep my greatest passion alive.