We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Composing music for Film & TV has certainly been an adventure! Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved sitting at the piano and creating something special. I still find myself daydreaming at the keys while thinking about my next musical story. Our imaginations are precious. They carry us off to far away places that allow us to see the world in a new light. Our imaginations show us a world of possibilities. As a musical storyteller, I still feel I have that child-like curiosity. I’ve always stuck with my creative instincts which I think has taken me to where I am today. I am very grateful to be pursuing my passion. Working as a Composer for TV & Film is a very rewarding career.  It takes a lot of determination, organization, and persistence to achieve success (however that looks like for you!). I think persistence is the key to pursuing any path you choose. We all need to keep going and never give up!  Grateful to have my music featured on television shows and films worldwide including The Young and the Restless, Saturday Night Live, The Bachelor, Hallmark Christmas, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Fox Sports, MLB, TIME 100, The Dr. Oz Show, WWE, BBC.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a classically trained pianist and I always love playing songs from musicals! It was my piano teacher Angela who introduced me to a whole new world of the “synthesizer!” We played so many show tunes that it opened a whole new meaning to taking piano lessons. I loved playing with so many different beats and sounds! I was hooked. I graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Toronto and I started writing and performing my own music in weekly gigs. I recorded my first EP entitled, “60 Seconds” and was thrilled to get my first placement on the hit teen drama series, Degrassi: The Next Generation. I was fascinated with sync world and I thought okay… there must be more! I attended conferences in Los Angeles learned as much I could about working in the industry. I started recording my own music at my home studio and began submitting my work to publishers.  Attending film and Music Festivals are always a wonderful opportunity to network and meet amazing artists.  I was fortunate to perform at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival, the RAW Artist Showcase in Austin, Texas where I was nominated as a top 5 Finalist.  I was also nominated for a “Hollywood Music in Media Award” for my song “Stay.”

As a Production Music Composer, I specialize in composing introspective& uplifting orchestral compositions, singer-songwriter pop ballads, and tension cues. My music has been signed to various production music libraries in Los Angeles, London, and New York. I was honored to be a panelist at NAMM 2020: “Composing Production Music for TV” and most recently I was invited to be a guest speaker on the NWC Webinar (Canadian Musician Magazine)  “Getting into the Business of Production Music.”

I recently came to Los Angeles via Austin, Texas where, in addition to enjoying Texas BBQ, I was thrilled to be living in the Live Music Capital of the World. I was very active in the live music scene showcasing my songs on Fox 7 Austin Morning News and performing in many of Austin’s legendary music venues including One World Theatre, The Parish, Waterloo Records (at Austin Airport) and the Belmont.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many amazing places to visit while you’re in Los Angeles! I always love venturing out to the Griffith Observatory and hiking up the trail. It’s so beautiful in the evening and a gorgeous spot to look up at the stars! If it’s your first time in L.A., you definitely have to venture down Hollywood blvd and walk the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” You can check out the Chinese Theatre and see all the street performers such as Superman and Ironman. It’s quite the show! Of course, live music in Los Angeles is amazing!  Be sure to check out a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.  If you are interested in learning about how TV shows are made, I highly suggest you check out Warner Bros. Studio. I’ve taken the tour twice and it’s probably one of my favorite spots in LA! The tour is always different and you can even get a picture on the “Friends” Couch. The beaches in California are of course beautiful! Malibu is stunning and Manhattan beach is one of my favorites. You can grab a delicious ice cream and walk around the charming town. Studio City is also another great area to walk and go for brunch!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s so important to surround yourself with positive people! There are so many ways to navigate through the music industry and it definitely helps to be part of groups and associations where you can meet like-minded creatives. These groups are always great for networking while learning awesome new tips and tricks in the studio! As a production music composer, it’s been wonderful to be a part of the PMA (Production Music Association) which is a fantastic network of music publishers, composers, and producers. The PMA holds a yearly conference in Los Angeles and it is always inspiring! TAXI Music is also an amazing organization that supports composers and songwriters in developing their music career. I’ve met so many wonderful collaborators and friends from both of these organizations. A heartfelt thank you to my Mom for being my cheerleader and playing my songs on Spotify every day! Special thanks to my Dad who always encouraged me and supported my music career.  He always said.. “It just takes one!”

Website: www.tamaramillermusic.com

Instagram: @tamaramillermusic

Twitter: @tamaramiller_

Facebook: @tamaramillermusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/tamaramillermusic

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.