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School Guitar Programs “I learned how to play the guitar! I never would have thought I could.” Jenny, age 13 "You have made me a better jazz artist…I was inspired by you." William, age 14 “The thing I liked about Michael Miles is that I’ve never been able to play a guitar, and he started my foundation ... I can’t wait to learn more when he comes back for 8th grade. Jack, age 13 Miles has taught hundreds of professional music teachers how to use the guitar in the classroom. His university classes always fill and his methodologies have been met with grand enthusiasm. To supplement guitar programs in schools, Miles also will come to schools to work as guest instructor, for single day workshops or for extended residencies addressing all skill levels as needed. LECTURE DEMONSTRATION TOPICS GUITAR TECHNIQUE TOPICS
FEEDBACK FROM MUSIC TEACHERS "Michael Miles was seemingly very low key, but underneath was very encouraging and powerful. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined being able to do all the things we did. This class far exceeded my expectations." - J.D. "Michael is a great representative for music education and why we teach." - L.C. |
5th Grade students from Lincolnwood, IL perform their composition, "If Abraham Lincoln Were Alive Today." |
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.
