Today we’d like to introduce you to Destin Miller.
Hi Destin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been heavily invested in music from a very early age. I can remember beating on pots and pans as a toddler pretending like I had a drum set. My parents noticed my interest in music early on and during Christmas time they would buy me different instruments such as a guitar, piano, drum set, etc.
Once I got to the 5th grade, I joined the school band on clarinet for 2 years then I switched to saxophone in 7th grade and that’s where things started taking off for me. After I started playing saxophone my dad exposed me to the saxophonist Grover Washington Jr playing a tune called “Mister Magic”. Once I heard that song, I was a Grover Washington fanatic and started digging deep into his discography which led me to learn of other saxophonist such as Gerald Albright, Marcus Anderson, Eddie Harris and the list goes on! I was destined to make music my career from that point on.
I am a first-generation graduate of Tennessee State University (2022) then I went on to receive my master’s degree at Belmont University (2024). Both those institutions made a profound impact on me as a musician.
During my time as I’m college I got the opportunity to perform throughout the United States and abroad in countries such as Colombia. I also got to be a part of the Grammy Award Winning project “The Urban Hymnal” by the TSU Aristocrat of Bands.
Post college I’m heavily active in the Nashville music scene as a Freelance saxophonist, educator, and bandleader.
I have an active private lesson studio in addition to being the Woodwind Coach and Jazz Band director at Fairview High School. I currently serve as the principal saxophonist for the Nashville African American Wind Symphony. Starting this upcoming school year, I will be serving as the elementary music teacher at Park Avenue Elementary.
I’ve been blessed to work with several artist such as Old Crow Medicine, The Shindellas, Starlito, Brassville, and Tiera Kennedy. This is in addition to leading my group known as Destin Miller & The Soulful Few
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve definitely has experienced various setbacks while pursuing this journey as a musician. I’ve worked multiple non music related jobs that I’ve hated to help keep things afloat financially while chasing my dreams. I have invested large sums of money into hosting shows and events just for 10 people to show up. I think the main thing to remember is to never quit on your dreams because that guarantees they will never happen but every day that you strive for them it puts you that much closer to it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So, I am an artist, educator, and creative. My primary instrument is saxophone, but I also double on flute and clarinet. As a freelance saxophonist I perform in various scenarios from week to week whether it be studio sessions, weddings, corporate events, a Sunday morning church service or a random bar on Broadway at 2am.
I am heavily invested in music education as well because I understand the power it holds to change lives. whether it’s a private saxophone lesson, woodwind masterclass, or jazz band rehearsal I always give it everything I have because I remember the profound effect it had on my upbringing.
I specialize in funk, r&b, hip hop, gospel, jazz and neo soul which is the genres that I base my own personal group around. I believe my diverse group of influences allows me to create a melting pot covering the lineage of both those that came before me while also addressing the present. The way I can blend all these elements together is what separates me from the pack.
Pricing:
- Studio Sessions – $400
- Special Occasions – $400+
- Private Lessons – $70+
- Masterclasses/Clinic – $500+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinmillermusic?igsh=OWE2Z2dkYXhuZGxl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2jnrsHoh/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@destinmillermusic?si=QDu7gy8kkYsO4iWx
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@destinmillermusic?_t=ZP-8yNuG9lGJxu&_r=1
