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Testimonial regarding Piano Instructor, Diane L. Miller My son, Ryan, is a student at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. He is a dual major in piano and bassoon in the Music Education track. Behind every good music student, there was a teacher and mentor. Ryan’s mentor was Diane Miller. Ryan began piano lessons with Diane when he was just 4 years old. At that time, Diane used a multi approach to teaching. Ryan studied using Suzuki and traditional methods. Within one year, Ryan was performing on grand pianos in recitals in front of audiences of 100 or more people. Each year for the next 14 years, Ryan participated in solo evaluations for the New York Federation of Music Clubs, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, Music Teachers National Association, and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). Each recital and each solo evaluation became another avenue for Ryan to hone his skills and perform under pressure. By the time Ryan was in Middle School, Diane was helping Ryan with jazz music that he played in the Middle School jazz band. In 8th grade, Ryan landed the role of accompanist for the High School Musical. During Ryan’s years in high school, Diane continued to help him with the school musicals. Ryan was the accompanist for the entire scores of The Wizard of Oz, Fame, Jekyll and Hyde, and Bye Bye Birdie. He also performed in the High School Jazz Band. At the same time, Ryan continued his classical music studies, and played annually for NYSSMA. In his sophomore and junior years of high school, Ryan received perfect scores on his levels 5 and 6 All State NYSSMA evaluation. As a result, Ryan became an alternate to the NYS All State piano recital. A highlight of his studies was being chosen by Diane to play Chopin’s Premier Ballade for a master class at the Taubman Piano Institute at the Julliard School of Music where she was the Seminar Administrator. His last recital while in Diane’s studio was at the West Point Cadet Chapel. None of this could compare with the work that went into preparing Ryan for his college auditions. Diane tirelessly worked with Ryan on his audition pieces and all the technical skills he would be required to perform. She also helped him with his Music Theory knowledge. It was an enormous feat that Ryan was accepted to 6 major universities to study piano all six of which offered him scholarships. I do believe that none of this could have happened without Diane’s instruction and nurturing all those years. I also attribute Ryan’s success with the bassoon to his piano studies. It is with the highest degree of sincerity that I recommend Diane L. Miller as piano teacher, mentor, and role model. Fay Cerullo 2006 I have known Diane Miller now for 12 years. She has been my daughter Kristin’s piano teacher for 11 of those years. I would highly recommend her if you are considering lessons in voice or piano for your child. My daughter has chosen a career in music and is now in her second year of college pursuing a degree in Piano Performance. Diane made sure that Kristin had a very well rounded musical education When she began, at the age of seven, I didn’t know anything about music. I left it up to Diane. My point is; at the age of seven, your child most likely does not know what they want to study later in life. Diane made sure that my daughter had everything she needed from the beginning. When she did decide to study music; the whole process was incredibly easy because she was so well prepared for her college performance auditions from the solid foundation she received right from the start with Diane. When she took her music theory classes it was a breeze for her because she had studied music theory at each lesson. The thing that impresses me the most about Diane though is her quest for knowledge. As the world of music is changing; so is she. Diane is always on the cutting edge, for example she incorporates the Taubman approach to playing piano, is the Administrative Director of the Taubman Seminar at Juilliard in Lincoln Center and brings her students to perform there at Master Classes. She is always looking for new computer programs to teach theory or sight reading, ways of making it more fun for younger children, and always attending conferences and staying involved with musical organizations in order to have the up to the minute information. Diane is responsible for bringing several musical organizations into our area like the Royal American Conservatory Exams and The National Federation of Music Clubs; these organizations give music students more opportunities to perform and be recognized for their dedication to learning music theory, vocal and piano rudiments and repertoire I am so glad that I chose Diane 12 years ago; she really has been an outstanding mentor for my child. Janet Dockery
I've really enjoyed my piano lessons with you these past few months. You have taught me so much already and I'm finally starting to feel a foundation forming to my knowledge of piano playing. I can't say enough about how much Emma adores you! Thank you so much for your patience with her. Terry and I look forward to watching her grow with you... Thanks again for everything! Love, Kristen Dearest Diane - You are very welcome - it is the least we could do to show our appreciation of the wonderful job teaching Allison the art of music on the piano and for being such a good friend. She never would have blossomed like she did with someone other than you! You will always hold a special place in her heart. We will stay in touch - you are not that far away!! Love and friendship, Karen
Sincerely,
Sincerely Thank you so much for everything. You are a kind, patient and understanding teacher. May God bless you and your family with health and happiness. Love, The Robers |