Talbert Middle School Instrumental Music Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the Talbert Middle School Instrumental Music Program is to cultivate students’ love of music and love of learning as they grow into contributing members of society. The Program does this by exposing them to a wide variety of genres, cultures, and styles to help them develop personal relationships with music and most importantly, personal relationships with each other. Through these personal relationships, they will become strong musicians and learn valuable life skills such as empathy, respect, kindness, community, dependability, time management, and punctuality.

- Michael Miller, Instrumental Music Teacher, Talbert Middle School

Meet Mr. Miller

Music has been an enormous part of my entire life. My mother was a church music director, and she instilled in me a love of music early in life. Throughout my school days, I participated in everything I was allowed to join: choir, hand bells, concert band, marching band, jazz band, jazz choir, musical theatre, and private music lessons.

After high school, I pursued a B.A. in Clarinet Performance from Concordia University, Irvine, and an M.M. in Clarinet Performance from California State University, Long Beach.

So how did I get into teaching? Well, after teaching part-time band at a small private school, I realized my true passion was in education. Therefore, I went back to Concordia University, Irvine, to receive my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music. I still love to play, though. As a Woodwind Doubler, I love to play in the pit orchestra for stage musicals. I professionally perform on piccolo, flute, clarinet, and saxophone.

I am a huge Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones fan, and I have a particular obsession with coffee! :)

I currently live in Anaheim with my wife, Sarah, who is an Elementary Teacher. We enjoy traveling, movies, tv, reading and spending time together with our two cats, Ella and Lily, and our dog, Wall-E (yes, named after the robot! :)).