TESS MILLER
INTENTIONAL SOUND • HEALING PRESENCE
A MUSICAL JOURNEY
For over two decades, I have been a freelance performer, flute instructor, and clinician in the mid-Michigan area.
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In 2004, I received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University where I completed a dissertation entitled Why Did It Sound Better in the Practice Room: A Guide to Music Performance Anxiety and How to Cope With it Through Journal Writing. I have been invited to present my ideas at various colleges and conferences throughout the country.
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Scroll down for information about my performance and teaching experience.
CHAMBER MUSICIAN
"Chamber music - a conversation between friends."
Catherine Drinker Bowen
I am passionate about chamber music performance. I am a co-founding member of the Great Lakes Art Music Ensemble (GLAM) which released a CD on the White Pine Record Label. This disc, The Latin Dance Project, consists of newly composed and arranged music for two flutes, guitar, and percussion. I am also a co-founding member of the Durant Street Wind Quintet and Extreme Duality (flute and double bass), an ensemble that has premiered new compositions specifically written for this dynamic duo pairing.
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In the summers, I have performed for the Mackinac Island Community Foundation Summer Concert Series for which I was Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director. In 2014, I created, developed, and directed an innovative project called Telephone: An Artistic Response Chain on Mackinac Island, featuring the works of Mackinac Artists.
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ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE
For over 30 years, I have had the honor of performing with regional orchestras all over Michigan. I performed with the Traverse City Philharmonic from 2003 until 2026 and a supplemental flutist with the Lansing, Jackson, Midland, and Great Lakes Chamber Orchestras.
FLUTE INSTRUCTION
I am currently the Flute Instructor at Alma College and maintain an active private studio at the Michigan State University Community Music School where I enjoy teaching all ages and all levels.
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I also offer Coaching/Lesson Sessions in which musicians can get a Coaching Session geared toward their music performance. This is an opportunity to uncover what's holding you back from your best performance potential.
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