About Donna Miller

Donna Miller has been a piano instructor at the Music & Arts East Mesa location (Mesa, AZ) since 2016. She is designated as one of their Master Teachers, the highest credential given to teachers at Music & Arts. Donna teaches students of various levels and ages and particularly enjoys teaching beginning pianists. She structures each student's lessons according to their individual goals, and she delights in seeing her students progress.

Donna believes that first of all, piano lessons should be FUN! But along with that, she conveys to students and parents the importance of practice and persistence in order to achieve their goals and to progress.

Donna has many years of experience in teaching, performing, accompanying and composing. She especially enjoys teaching repertoire from the classical genre, but also teaches pop, sacred music, and basic jazz for young students. She also teaches composition, and her students find the creative process of composing their own music to be a source of joy and pride. Composing not only provides a fun aspect but incorporates a practical application of music theory principles.

Donna began her piano studies at the age of seven and, under her teacher's supervision, she began teaching when she was 17. She earned a Bachelor of  Music in Piano Performance  in 1974. During her college career, she performed solo concerts and in recitals, won a piano competition, was awarded numerous scholarships, served as the piano accompanist for fellow instrumental students performing in their graduate recitals and accompanied high school students in state competitions in Texas. She began teaching during her college career and then full-time after graduating.

Donna has taken master classes with world-renowned pianists, and, since graduating, she has performed in "open mic" sessions and in several benefit concerts.

In her spare time, Donna enjoys composing music and created a CD of her compositions several years ago. A composition that she wrote, and then created a video of her photography to accompany it, is posted on YouTube.

Donna currently serves as the pianist at Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Mesa and has been a compensated musician there since 2015. She enjoys time with her dog and Sunday afternoons with her adult son.

If you are considering piano lessons for your child or yourself, please feel welcome to contact the store to schedule a "Meet & Greet" with Donna.