Drew Miles

Born in Richmond, VA (Aug 1983) Drew Miles' exposure to music began at an early age; with his mother whom at a young age played piano and sang in the church choir, along with stories of his paternal grandfather (Charles Miles) as a singer in a male quartet. Naturally, music poured over into Drew’s house and his environment, being influenced early on by Soul Music of the 60's, 70's and 80's, Hip-Hop, and Gospel; Drew joined his elementary school band playing trombone at 9. During this time he began to dabble around with the keyboard and piano at a neighbor’s house, but at this stage never had any formal piano lessons. As a teenager, his talents and gifts truly began to flourish. Drew was a member of his middle school concert and pep band, then later joined the marching and concert band his early years in High School. He joined his church choir, and also played Drums, Organ, and Piano, teaching himself most of the songs via the piano at church. As College approached Drew attended Norfolk State University and later Virginia Union University, where he received a B.A. in Music Education with a concentration in voice, while also heavily studying classical piano. During instruction, Drew was formally introduced to Rag Time, which then eventually led him to the art form of Jazz. His musical influences include Oscar Peterson, J.S. Bach, Art Tatum, Muzzio Clementi, Duke Ellington, Frederic Chopin', Herbie Hancock, Fred Hammond, Jill Scott, Jay-Z, Ella Fitzgerald, James Cleveland, Glenn Miller, Vince Guaraldi, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Earth, Wind and Fire, Kanye West, Kirk Franklin, Billy Strayhorn, Kenny Kirkland, Richard Smallwood, Errol Garner, Thelonius Monk, and others. Drew currently serves as Music Coordinator at The Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, located in Historic Jackson Ward; where he weekly implements music theory and proper vocal technique, while he teaches, directs, and plays Sacred Music of all styles (Anthems, Hymns, Gospel, etc.) to congregants of various ages and backgrounds. (Church is listed on National Register of Historic Places in VA; considered a landmark.) He has also shared the stage with many musical projects including the Shan-niece James Project, The Johnny Long Band, Visionz Band, and the Raw Sugah Band to name a few. Now as a Jazz Concert Pianist and performer of other genres, Drew’s style is a mixture of Swing, Straight Ahead, Ballads, Big Band, Smooth and Latin jazz; with elements of Hip-Hop, Gospel, R&B, and Soul Music.

Drew's passion is to promote Music Education, and currently puts all of his effort into playing music that will connect us all, soothe minds, move souls, and change lives. He says, “When I first heard Oscar Peterson play, my life was changed”. Show less