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.
 


 

School Programs

Miles is a freelance educator who teaches all ages. His work ranges from providing kindergarten students their earliest music experiences all the way through to leading postgraduate study for professional music educators.   Click on these links for more information:

Assemblies
With driving guitar, sparkling banjo, a warm voice, and an engaging manner, Miles has delighted student audiences for years with his compelling mix of musicianship and history...more

Residencies
Working with classroom and/or music teachers Miles offers residency options that develop musical skills and integrate literature, history or current events...more

School Guitar Programs
Miles’ guitar programs in schools are designed to help implement new curriculums or supplement ongoing guitar programs with workshops and special topics...more

Send A Song To The President
Students answer the question, “If you were the president of the United States, what would you do to make the world a better place.”   Answers are incorporated into a song sent directly to Washington DC...more

School Orchestras
Miles’ repertoire includes JS Bach, popular music, traditional music and his own compositions arranged for banjo with chamber or full orchestra...more

Universities
Miles offers grad school classes for professional music educators at Villanova University, West Chester University, and VanderCook College of Music...more

Banjo & Guitar Workshops
Miles has presented workshops in clawhammer banjo and fingerstyle guitar at numerous events---including Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, American Banjo Camp, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Midwest Banjo Camp....more

Funding in Illinois
As a member of Illinois Arts Council’s juried rosters, funding is available to non-profit organizations and schools in Illinois, who would like to present Michael J. Miles...more

“Michael Miles respects children and teachers, builds children’s self esteem, collaborates with teachers and gives his complete energy and attention to the students as he teaches.  It was a true honor to observe him work with our students.  I highly recommend him." 
   - Susan Kilbane, Principal,
New Field School,  Chicago