About Michael J. Miles

• Musician

• Composer

• Performing Artist

• Musical Playwright

• Educator


When Pete Seeger first heard Michael Miles, he sent a letter to Michael saying that "in all my 70 years this is among the most beautiful recordings I’ve ever heard...it is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again.”

Michael Miles is one of America’s most inventive clawhammer banjo players.   Add guitar, vocals, jazz instruments, orchestras and complex historically-themed theatrical presentations to the mix and, two decades later, Michael has a critically acclaimed catalog of original compositions, stage performances, music CD’s and music instruction books.
 

Michael Miles performance credits include the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, Ravinia Festival, Harris Theatre in Chicago, American University in Beirut, and the Royal Opera Theatre in Marrakesh.

From 1984-1998, Michael served as the Program Director at the Old Town School of Folk Music bringing the school to international acclaim.   Under his guidance the student population grew from 200 students to over 4000.  From 2005-2007, Michael was honored as the school's first ever Artist-In-Residence. He remains as active member of the faculty teaching clawhammer banjo and fingerstyle guitar.  
 

With an MA in Music Performance and Pedagogy, Michael is also a music educator whose work ranges from introducing kindergarten students to their earliest musical experiences to leading postgraduate study for professional musicians and music teachers.
 

Current projects include new fingerstyle guitar arrangements of the Great American Songbook and the works of Stevie Wonder; new compositions for the banjo and expanded ensemble; and new stage productions.
 


 

FUNDING IN ILLINOIS from the Illinois Arts Council

The Illinois Arts Council provides financial support to non-profit presenters and Illinois schools who hire artists who are on the select Artstour and Arts-In-Education rosters. Michael has been selected to both of these rosters. A very brief application from the presenter is required. Arts Council staff are available to assist with this. It is a wonderful way that the state supports artists, presenters, and schools in Illinois.  The Quickstart program is also a great place to start.   

 

Arts In Education Roster

Michael has been chosen by a panel of professional educators to be a member of the IAC Arts in Education Roster. This honor recognizes working artists who have developed engaging programs for schools K-12, by providing funding support for educational residencies of up to 6 months.

Contact: Tatiana Gant, Acting Director for Arts In Education 

t: 312-814-6765
email: tatiana.gant@illinois.gov

 

Quickstart Program

Project QuickStart is designed to support project grants of up to $1000 for schools and school districts that are planning to conduct a short term residency experiences with specific Illinois artists during a school year. 

Contact: Tatiana Gant, Acting Director for Arts In Education 

t: 312-814-6765
email: tatiana.gant@illinois.gov

 

ArtsTour Roster

Michael has been chosen by a panel of working artists to be a member of the IAC Arts Tour Roster. This honor recognizes the artistic merit of Illinois residents by providing funding support to Illinois presenters who hire them.

Contact: Walter Buford,Director of Performing Arts Programs 

t: 312-814-4992
email: walter.buford@illinois.gov

 

How To Apply

Funding is provided directly to presenters who've contracted with roster artists. The Illinois Arts Council staff are ready, willing, and able to assist in these endeavors.

General information:  www.arts.illinois.gov