|
In this photo: “Miles with students in American Folk Instruments class, Chicago.”
Universities "This class provided a successful way to play guitar. Michael is a great representative for music education and why we teach." S.C
"Michael was awesome. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined being able to do all the things we did. This class far exceeded my expectations." D.M.
As a guest clinician, Miles has taught hundreds of professional music educators in summer music programs at Villanova University, VanderCook College of Music, and West Chester University.
CLASS OFFERINGS For music teachers with no guitar experience to learn to use the guitar in the classroom.
Guitar Skills and Curriculum For music teachers with some guitar experience to further develop their skills and to create a guitar instruction curriculum for their school setting.
American Folk Instruments & History Learn basic skills on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. Students also explore the grassroots American contexts from which these instruments emerged. Students should have basic beginning guitar skills for this class. You supply your own guitar and the universities supply the rest. Made possible in part by Deering Banjo & Old Town School of Folk Music.
Music of the 20th Century A decade by decade portrait of our time where students learn select repertoire for guitar and examine the historic context from which these songs arose. Students are also invited to bring their primary instrument for some ensemble playing of this material.
Songwriting and Composition This class explores how to create new music with your students and to learn from how some of the masters approached their work. No composition experience needed.
"Michael Miles is a rare talent. As a performer, he is outstanding. As a teacher, he is inspiring. He knows how and he shows how." |
Music of the 20th Century class performs. |
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.
