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Composer Michael Miles’ compositions include solo pieces of works for banjo featuring different combinations of accompaniment: percussion, bass, vibes, horns, voices, string quartet, chamber orchestra and full orchestra. All of these works, with the exception of his newest "Cambria" are on Michael's CD's. Scores are available for interested collaborators, and new works are underway. Suite for the Americas A five movement suite that can be performed solo, with bass accompaniment or string quartet. This is modeled after the dance movements of JS Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. New Century Suite This three movement suite with full orchestral accompaniment was debuted in front of 5000 people with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. It was later set for chamber orchestra and then performed with the de Pasquale String Quartet from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Chicago Trilogy A three movement composition depicting shades of the Chicago sunset sky (blue, purple, & black). This work was originally recorded with banjoist Bela Fleck playing a harmony line and bassist Bob Lizik (Brian Wilson Ensemble) playing 5-string electric bass. This selection is plays when this website opens, and is performed as a solo piece in the video to the right. Yellowbird Concerto There are three movement to this composition which was debuted with the Niles North High School Orchestra, near Chicago. Miles prides himself on sharing his work with young players. Subsequent to its debut with the orchestra, the Yellowbird has been set for string quartet and recorded with the world renowned Chamber Blues String Quartet. It is on Miles’ most recent CD, col•lage. Opus 821 This work was the opening and closing overture to Michael’s show, “When Africa Met Ireland In American Song.” It was also a piece with prominent role for percussion that Miles played all across Morocco on his recent tours there. Opus 822 Michael has explored the use the 19th century fretless banjo bringing it hand-in-hand with 20th century blues and his own Bach-and-folk- informed approach to composition. This work features percussion, alto flute, mandolin. Firefly Sonata Chromaticism along with motif development are at the heart of this work. Michael created a new tuning for the banjo to develop this three movement selection. It was debuted for string quartet accompaniment by the de Pasquale String Quartet.
While in Mexico, Michael heard a bird that sang the first three notes of the song “On a Clear Day.” That bird is known as the “pich,” pronounced “peach.” This selection was recorded with flugelhorn, vibes, bass and drumset. Cambria This is Miles newest work, composed in Cambria, California after a month in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It reaches for new sound--percussive, tuneful, uncomplicated. Honoring JS Bach No banjo player has ever recorded as much material by JS Bach before. Michael feels that playing Bach entirely informs his compositions, his phrasing, and his musicianship. Recorded works include: 1st and 3rd Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, Gavotte en Rondeau,Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring; and this version of Sleepers Awake. “Thanks for including Take Five.” |
Miles performs his composition "Guaracha," from the Suite for the Americas.
Miles performs his composition "Melodious Pich." Miles performs his composition, "Chicago Trilogy." |
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.
