When I was a little girl, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. With fire and passion in my eyes, I answered confidently, “A pastor!” They laughed and said, “Do you mean a pastor’s wife? You can’t be a pastor. You’re a girl.” When I was an undergraduate student exploring who I wanted...
“Tentpoles” are often used when building creative endeavors, from filmmaking to book writing. These usually encompass the overarching reason for the existence of a creative work. They can extend beyond individual projects, too–Pixar has three tentpoles that help it stand, as described in Creativity Inc: We are here to make great films We believe there is power in safety We...
“Please join me in welcoming our soloist, Elisha Miller!” Applause erupts through the Kennedy Center Concert Hall as I walk to the front of the stage and grab the microphone. I can’t believe I am here, I thought. This is my life. I think about the email I received five hours ago, offering me an audition at...
My eyes got wide as I stared down at my spreadsheet and realized…I’d done it. Beginning today, I hit the milestone of earning over $100,000 annual income as a professional musician. I was officially part of the “six-figure musician” club. Things would finally start looking up. What I didn’t know was that four months later, I would give...
Having a consistent, well-rounded vocal warmup routine is imperative to the success of singers. Just as an athlete wouldn't dream of competing without properly preparing their body, a singer must treat their voice as the finely-tuned instrument it is. Over my years of conducting choirs of all ages and abilities and being a professional singer, I've developed...
This Fall, I will begin my Master's degree in Choral Conducting. Not only will it be the first time in four years that I'll be a student, but it will also be at one of the most prestigious choral programs in the nation. The preparation I do during these next few months will be crucial. As someone...