I offer private lessons on saxophone and flute and I teach the principles of improvisation to anyone on any instrument or voice. I've had many improvisation students who play piano, guitar, voice, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, and other instruments. All ages and levels of experience are welcome.
Private lessons on saxophone and flute include
- Technique (embouchure, tone production, breathing, articulation, etc.)
- Repertoire (classical and jazz flute, jazz saxophone (I don't teach classical saxophone)
- Improvisation (for all students- any style, no style, your style)
- Composition (for all students)
- Jazz fundamentals (jazz theory including harmonic analysis, scales, chords, passing tones, phrasing, rhythmic feel, jazz repertoire, jazz improvisation, blues, transcription, etc.)
I like to help students find their own approach to learning music by balancing the study of music fundamentals, technique, creativity, listening skills and musical traditions in a fun and supportive atmosphere. My job is to help students in any way I can, not to impose a particular pedagogical or aesthetic approach.
I have been teaching at Naropa University for twenty years. My classes have included Improvisation, Musicianship, Ear Training, Jazz History, Jazz Ensemble, Performance Practicum, Interdisciplinary Improvisation, Interdisciplinary Composition, Contemplative Pedagogy Seminar (for faculty) and Contemplative Practice Seminar (for first year students).
A few comments from former students…
Mark Miller is a great teacher and an amazing saxophonist. From him I learned a lot about scales, theory, and ear training. Even more than the theoretical knowledge he has to offer Mark teaches by example when he plays. His playing is effortless, powerful, and from the heart. Mark is a great teacher and awesome example for aspiring warrior artists. -M.L.
In my final year at Naropa, I had the pleasure of taking class from and being mentored by Mark Miller. His ability to create and hold a integral and fertile container for learning was inspiring. Mark holds a quiet strength, a wise beauty that infuses his students with a spark of inquiry.
I admire the living model of a contemplative artist that he has provided. He is accessible, open and fiercely compassionate. Mark's impact on my journey was priceless. He gave soft guidance when it was needed, support when all others supports failed, and honest and open exchange of his thoughts and ideas. I am so grateful. -A.R.
Mark is an excellent musician and a brilliant teacher. As a beginner in my late 30's I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to work with him. His ability to teach students from where they are in their musical journey, combined with his kindness and patience has helped me to build a solid foundation in music theory and practice. He has a way of making it all relevant to the student in a way that builds confidence that is rooted in musical experience. Thanks Mark! -H.Q.
Mark Miller teaches music in an embodied way that cuts through the conceptual blocks that so often keep musicians from gaining and applying technical knowledge. I remember an ear training class in which he taught someone to learn how to hear a perfect 5th by having them stick their head inside the piano! He has a confidence in his students' abilities that really calls them to their best work. I certainly feel some of my best compositions came out of working with Mark. He is a font of musical and improvisational wisdom, and his calm, focused presence is an inspiration. Private lessons with Mark would be a great opportunity for music students at any level. (And yes, I mean it!) -J.C.
"Mark is, well, a bit of a surprise as a teacher. So many musicians, when they teach, want to lay a trip on their students and with Mark, I never had that experience. I felt free to engage with music on my terms. Combine that with fine technical education, and I was well established to grasp the lessons presented in a way that worked for me and led to effective growth." -S.B.
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