Khristopher Michael Miller has been playing the guitar since he was 15 years old. Influenced by rock bands like Soundgarden, Alice and Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and many others, Khris was determined to learn everything the guitar could teach him and be an excellent, well-rounded musician.

Khris is well versed in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, and Gospel, and has enjoyed the privilege of playing in several bands spanning these genres. He first studied with excellent Rock and Jazz guitar instructors in California’s diverse San Francisco Bay Area, and went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) where he studied under Jazz great, Richie Hart (protégé George Benson), and Funk/Rock Guitarist, Jim Peterson (who has toured and played with Najee, Lala Hathaway and many others).

Khris’ passion for music brought him and his family here to “Music City” where he has collaborated and played with world-renowned and local musicians, producers, bands, and artists, including Brett Manning, Noah Hanson, and Skid Mills, to name a few. Here in Nashville, Khris has expanded his versatile musicianship into singing, songwriting, production, and studio engineering. Most recently, Khris attained a Mentor Certification in production, mixing, and mastering with the internationally acclaimed and prestigious Mastering.com. Khris also leads his own musical project, Khris Glaring.

Khris’ Teaching Philosophy: “Every student is unique, so I work intentionally to discover to which genre and specific style of music each of my student’s enjoy, then cater my instruction—guiding with the songs, melodies, and solos they already love—and use their individual preferences to dive into technique, theory, and other progressing musical concepts. I teach novice beginners through professional musicians, and pride myself on meeting my students where they are and patiently leading them to true musical “aha” moments. I encourage my students to think long term;no one masters the guitar overnight, but with consistency and time, you will make remarkable progress!”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“Playing with a Corporate cover band for 9 years. We toured everywhere in and outside the United States. I learned so much about the business while playing with them.”

What type of student will excel under your mentorship?
“I believe anyone can play the guitar, so those who are willing to commit to the instrument are the ones I believe will excel.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a mentor to me is more than teaching music. My musical journey is really a life journey. I have been able to translate so much of what I’ve learned in music into my personal life. So I take seriously what I teach because I know I have the responsibility to changed someone’s life through the discipline of music.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I started listening to all the grunge bands of the 90’s; Soundgarden, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, etc. I came to a point that I didn’t want to just listen to these artists, I wanted to learn how to play what I was hearing. That rock sound has always stayed with me as I’ve got into writing my own music.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“White Shepard Coffee in Spring Hill. They have to best white mocha you’ll ever taste!”