Fred Miller has spent the better part of the last decade developing a reputation as a first-call performer and guitar teacher in the Chicago area. Having reached a high-level of success in both of these fields, Fred recently decided to further his education and he enrolled in the University of Illinois' Jazz Performance doctoral program, where he is currently finishing his dissertation.

Fred took time out of his busy schedule as a teacher and performer to discuss his early influences and how they have shaped his current career.

MW: How did you get your start as a guitar teacher?

FM: After finishing my first round of grad school at DePaul in Chicago in 1994 I picked up a couple of part-time teaching jobs of the “mom and pop” music shop variety. To be honest, my motivation in pursuing teaching was at first just to supplement income from any playing gigs that I had at the time. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the experience and found tremendous gratification in sharing my musical interests with students.

MW: Did any of your teachers have an influence on your private teaching approach?

FM: Yes. Early on I think I had at least as many examples of what not to do as I had examples of what to do. This has really made me remember and appreciate the approaches of teachers that found ways to make me clearly understand the concepts that they were trying to convey. Most recently I’ve enjoyed studying at UIUC with you for a couple of years and with Larry Gray for a while. One thing I appreciated about both of your approaches was how rather than just running me through a “stock” program you both took the time to play through tunes from various styles with me and identified what areas I most needed help with and plotted a course to address these areas.

MW: How has going through the process of getting a DMA affected your teaching approach?  Has it changed the way you approach your teaching methods?

FM: I don’t know that it’s affected my approach so much but it has necessitated getting better organized just to keep up with everything. I’ve definitely integrated some of the more modern improvisational concepts that I’ve been exposed to during the course of the degree program into both my teaching and playing.

MW: In your opinion how has technology, especially the internet, changed the landscape of guitar education in recent years and where do you see it headed in the future?

FM: I think that technology and the internet have had an enormous influence on guitar education. It’s put numerous resources at the fingertips of educators and students that they would have previously had to go out and shop for. Online lessons are getting more popular all the time. I expect that it won’t be long before opportunities to study with great players in other parts of the country or world via live audio/video feed become commonplace.

MW: You are such an experienced and accomplished performer as well as an educator.  How has your teaching experience influenced your performing and vice-versa?

FM: For starters, thanks for the vote of confidence! Playing with my students has been great practice not only for them, but for me as well. At this point, teaching and performing are quite similar experiences in that they both provide me with ways of sharing my musical interests and ideas with others. They represent different parts of the same “outlet”.

MW: What advice do you have for people who are just starting to teach guitar?

FM: Get organized. Take the time to thoroughly assess what areas your students need the most help with and focus on these areas. Play with your students. Try to inspire as well as teach them. The experience will be far more rewarding for both student and teacher if you do.

MW: What advice do you have for students when they are looking for a private teacher?

FM: Look for someone who is not only a reputable teacher but also an active player who you can go out and hear. It’s true that the best players aren’t always the best teachers and vice versa but I do find that most students learn best by example and real world examples can often be as helpful in cultivating understanding as material covered in lessons. A balance is best.

MW: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.

FM: No problem, anytime.

Acoustic and Electric Guitar