Dave Miller was born in Waukegan, Illinois, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan. His father was a trumpet player in the late 40’s and early 50’s. His love of music had an enormous effect on Dave. In his youth, Dave’s father would play records of Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson, which the family would enjoy together.
At age 10 Dave chose to play the trombone. He played in band at school and took private lessons with local musicians including Scott Bliege, who turned Dave onto JJ Johnson. Through diligent practice, and patient parents, Dave was awarded a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy for his final year in High School.
Dave continued his studies at the University of North Texas. It was in Denton that Dave had the opportunity to befriend and study with the legendary trumpet player and teacher Don Jacoby. After two years in college Dave got the call to go on the road with the Artie Shaw Big Band.
In December of 1991 Dave went to New York City to rehearse with the Temptations for a tour of South Africa at the invitation of Nelson Mandela. The tour fell through, and Dave stayed in New York. After some toiling a break came and Dave joined La India’s Orchestra. This led to performing and recording with Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco, and many others.
In 1999 Dave joined the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally for three years. Dave has also performed and recorded with Clark Terry, Eddie Palmieri, Les Paul, Frank Foster, Al Grey, Bobby Sanabria, Junior Cook, Chico Hamilton, and many others. He has studied with Curtis Fuller, Slide Hampton, Conrad Herwig, and Stanley Cowell. He’s currently guest lecturer in jazz trombone at Princeton University. Dave is a Denis Wick Artist.
