Dr. Richard C. Miller is a distinguished ethnomusicologist whose expertise in global music traditions makes him an invaluable asset to DGEM’s mission. His academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with minors in Anthropology and Asian Languages, has laid the foundation for a career dedicated to understanding and preserving the world’s musical heritage. Dr. Miller’s fluency in several languages, including Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, along with reading proficiency in numerous other languages, enables him to connect with diverse cultures and access a wealth of knowledge directly from its source. His extensive experience in East Asian studies, including his time as Associate Director of the Center for East Asian Studies at UW-Madison, further strengthens his ability to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate cross-cultural understanding, a crucial element of DGEM’s work.
Dr. Miller’s academic career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he serves as Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology, has been marked by a commitment to teaching and research that aligns perfectly with DGEM’s educational goals. His courses, such as “Music of East and Southeast Asia,” “Music, Race, and Class,” and “Japan Cool, Korean Wave: Global Asian Popular Culture,” demonstrate his dedication to exploring the social and cultural contexts of music, fostering critical thinking, and promoting global awareness. His research, evidenced by numerous publications and conference presentations, delves into diverse topics, from the history of Chinese cartooning to the impact of globalization on musical traditions. This breadth of knowledge and research experience makes him exceptionally well-equipped to guide DGEM’s efforts in documenting and preserving musical cultures worldwide.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Miller’s practical experience with music performance, particularly his long-standing involvement with the Gamelan Kyai Telaga Rukmi ensemble, provides him with a unique understanding of the intricacies of musical practice. His training in various instruments and vocal performance, coupled with his experience creating, directing, and performing his own gamelan compositions, gives him a deep appreciation for the creative process and the importance of supporting musicians and instrument inventors. This firsthand experience, combined with his linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity, positions him as an ideal mentor and collaborator for DGEM’s initiatives to empower local musicians and provide accessible music education.
Dr. Miller’s extensive involvement in professional activities, including serving on numerous committees, reviewing manuscripts for leading academic journals, and participating in grant evaluations, underscores his commitment to the field of ethnomusicology and his dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting excellence in music education. His experience with grant writing, securing significant funding for research projects and educational programs, is also a valuable asset to DGEM. His leadership roles, such as Chair of the Portfolios and Reflection in Teaching and Teacher Education SIG at the American Educational Research Association, further demonstrate his capacity to guide and inspire others. Dr. Miller’s multifaceted expertise, encompassing research, teaching, performance, and leadership, makes him an indispensable member of the DGEM team, perfectly positioned to contribute to its mission of developing global education through music.