all photographs taken by Tasha Miller using 35mm film
As a Piano Teacher…
“Music is a language. Letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, full blown books…poems and short stories! Speeches! Prayers. This language is infinite and all of these levels and categories of expressions are built using math, measures and the human condition. In English, Spanish, Russian, Sign Language and so many other languages, there are parts and pieces, nuts and bolts that we must memorize. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Russian. There are rules. Exceptions to the rules. Slang. Proper. Nuance. My job is to teach my piano students how to read, speak, listen to, play…and eventually write music. Let’s do it!”
Love, Tasha
From Tasha ~
“Above all is health, having purpose and an effective sense of self. Our piano lessons play a role in my students’ overall well being and mental health. Improvisational compositions are 100% impromptu expressions, free and clear of all judgements and expectations. Fingers just go and “perfect” is not a thing. In moments of dissonance, like with the interval of a 2nd or 7th (or when the piano sounds like nothing makes any sense), we learn to accept and hold ourselves (our song) just like we do when chords resolve and the song is coming up roses. All of it is important. And beautiful. Sometimes, we need a little help finding the beauty in something that doesn’t look “right” or sound “right."
I am not ALL music teacher. 50% counselor 50% teacher. It depends on what my student is needing on any one day. We have rituals. Shoes off at the door. Bag down. Walk to the kitchen sink. Wash our hands and ask about each others’ day. (I have never not washed my hands at the kitchen sink at the same time as my student.) I tend to wash my hands while they wash theirs…and then I wash THEIR hands too…making sure all the soap is off before we towel dry. Then…it’s time to pick which of three pianos we would like to play for the lesson. Goliath? Gloria? Or Blondie?
Goliath is a “grand” upright and came from a bar in Chicago. Very smoky and deep (my favorite). Gloria, a bungalow, is bright and crisp! She sits in a bit of a jungle (plants everywhere). Blondie, a baby grand, is somewhere in between the other two in terms of sound. I usually teach at Blondie in the living room.
We sit. First is scales and their respective chord progressions. Scales and chords are done like push-ups. With rhythm and a strong form, building finger-function and grace. After a few improvisational compositions, which are more/less "meditations,” we sink into the "lesson of the day"…and listen to (play) the piece that the student has been practicing. We walk through theory pages. WE STICK A BUNCH OF STICKERS ALL OVER EVERYTHING! Stickers are big time. They just are.
I have students who need to cry. We do that too. I’m all about finding something to celebrate, even if it feels like life is dog water. If my student cries, I thank them for it and we take some time for it. It’s a bold and accurate expression. Something happened that day. Or something is happening now. We take a very careful look at it. I’m honored to be in my students’ presence. I am honored to be in their lives.”
From Isabel Homsi (Student) ~
“I remember the excitement of performing for friends and family, the giddy of showing off what I had spent hours practicing, going out to celebratory dinners afterwards at Justa Pasta…and the silliness Tasha brought to the piano bench every time we had lessons.”
From Students & Parents
Marni Beardsley (Mom)
“Tasha Miller masterfully taught both my kids piano for several years, but what she really taught them was the art of music. how it inspires. recenters. shapes. transports. and heals. and as a parent on this journey i too rediscovered the power of music through Tasha’s memorable recitals that was equal parts a history lesson and fun musical experience. these music classes and recitals help give kids an extra boost of happiness and confidence. i can’t underscore enough the life long musical gifts Tasha has given not only to our kids but to our entire family.”
Amy Loy (Mom)
“Tasha fostered a love of music and encouraged my daughter to explore music through piano, theory, voice and performance.”
Michelle Callan (Mom)
“Tasha… the ever talented piano master. Our daughter learned to love piano not just by playing with, but by BEING in Tasha’s presence. Tasha’s lessons could be all about piano, learning notes, an ear for a rough day and everything in between. Cannot recommend Tasha enough. As a friend, teacher and inspiration. For all ages.”
Susannah Mars (Mom of Recital Guest Student)
“Dear Tasha and Scott and the dear Miller family, Thank you for opening your home to us. Each time we have had the pleasure of attending a recital [in Valentina] it exceeds my wildest expectations of such an event. Tasha, the joy and fun you bring to the room is palpable and inspirational. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
Chris George (Dad)
“Tasha made piano fun for our boys, and in doing so, she instilled in them a love for music that they have carried forward into their adult lives!”
Amy H (Mom)
“Tasha was amazing with my elementary school daughters. She made them love the piano and love music in general. Now that they are in high school and college, they still love to listen to her and love the concerts that she puts on at the local park. She is truly an inspiring musician to all who cross her path.”
Erin Johnson (Mom)
“Tasha came into my child’s life when he was ready to explore the piano and ‘leave our household’ during the scariest time of his life, 2020-2021. [During this period, Covid, all piano lessons ocurred via FaceTime.] Tasha was our son’s guide and trusted friend. He was so thrilled to learn to read music and even more thrilled to hear her praise. It wasn’t coming from us. It was coming from a ‘real live music teacher.’
[Our child] looked forward to each and every lesson and he practiced his little heart out. He recognized Tasha’s passion for music and it inspired him. He loved to escape into music with Tasha every lesson. It was relaxing and satisfying for him. For that, I will always be grateful.”
Scott Dolich (Dad)
“Tasha helped to instill a lifelong love of music in our daughter. Her fun, hands on, and caring approach to music lets kids express themselves freely through music.”
Brenda Olbeter (Mom)
“Tasha is a talented teacher, but her strength is the connection she builds with her students.”
Lila Olbeter (Student)
“Tasha is always understanding and flexible and gives me confidence. Most of all she makes playing the piano fun!”
Kris Homsi (Dad)