Connaitre Miller

Connaitre Miller is an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Vocal Jazz Studies at Howard University's Department of Music within the College of Fine Arts. She founded the award-winning vocal jazz ensemble Afro Blue and specializes in vocal jazz education, performance, and arranging.

• B.M. in Music Education, Kansas State University
• M.M. in Piano Performance, Kansas State University
• Postgraduate study in Choral Conducting & Jazz Pedagogy, University of Northern Colorado

Her research interests focus on jazz vocal techniques, ensemble arranging, and pedagogical strategies in jazz education. She has performed globally and serves as an adjudicator for major jazz competitions. Miller has led workshops worldwide and conducted All-State Jazz Choirs, emphasizing jazz improvisation and ensemble dynamics.

Recipient of the 20XX Jazz Education Achievement Award from DownBeat Magazine, she also received commissions from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Her contributions include curriculum development at institutions like the Elder Conservatorium of Music (University of Adelaide) and the All-Female Jazz Residency at NJPAC under Geri Allen and Regina Carter.