Teaching

I began teaching private lessons at a family-owned music store in my hometown of Mesa, Arizona in 2000. From that moment I realized the spark in sharing my musical knowledge as it was passed down to me. From my youngest student at age 5 to my 60-year-old student that always dreamt about playing the cello, their curiosity and passion for learning drove me to make string playing as fun and approachable as possible. 

Mrs. Morales Miles

Teaching Orchestra at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools has been a privilege since 2011. With the opportunity to mentor students of all skill levels, I have witnessed remarkable growth and achievements at this historic and prestigious school. Collaborating with talented teachers and a superstar orchestra team, I was inspired daily to share the power of music with the next generation. At Lab, students receive a well-rounded education that includes the Arts, and I was honored to guide 5th-7th grade students on their musical journey as they discovered the beauty and joy of playing an instrument in our beginning and middle school orchestra ensembles.

“Music will save the world.” – Pablo Casals

Education

2006 - 2007
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Master of Music in Cello Performance
Performance Tuition Award

2000 - 2005
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance
Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program Tuition Award

Teachers

Steve Balderston
Former Asst. Principal, Chicago Symphony and DePaul University Cello Professor

Thomas Landschoot
Arizona State University Cello Professor

Richard Bock
Principal, Phoenix Symphony

Laurie Selby
Phoenix Symphony

David Howard
National Symphony Orchestra

Credentials & Highlights

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Teacher Mentorship Program

American Epic PBS Documentary Series Lab Schools Artist-in-Residence Curriculum Partnership

Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero Institute, "Arts & Passion Driven Learning" with Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project

American String Teachers Association - Member

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Latino Alliance - Member

Awards & Notable Events

Front woman for electric cello duo, The Loneliest Monk

Upright bass player for country band, The Family Gold

Chicago Metromix Rock n' Vote Artist with The Loneliest Monk, 2nd Place (2009)

Grammys YouTube Finalist, "My Grammy Moment” with Foo Fighters and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin (2008)

Philadelphia Orchestra Summer Apprenticeship (2001)

National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute Fellowship (1997–2000)

Featured Performances

Composer Phillip Glass, music from “The Hours” Live

Rock Band, Foo Fighters, Grammy Awards

Jazz Violinist, Regina Carter

Bolshoi Ballet, “Swan Lake” Pit Orchestra

Recorded and/or performed with All Things Lucid, Bonzie, Joe George, Eliza Rickman, Heather Styka, Joel Styzens, and Ryan Suzuka