Allen, Milton
Dr. Milt Allen has worked with hundreds of schools, community groups, and organizations, reaching thousands of students, directors, and community members during his career. He is often credited as being one of the most creative, innovative, inspiring, and non-traditional music educators today. Conductor, clinician, speaker, author, and tireless advocate on behalf of music education, his passion for reaching more musicians at a grass-roots level includes extensive experiences in both public schools and universities in addition to founding a non-profit, The Music Guerrilla, which works with underfunded or underserviced programs in Rwanda, Zambia, Haiti, and Compton, CA, as well as other schools across the United States.
Milt brings a rare perspective to his role. His cross-genre music interests effectively combine with previous teaching positions in rural/suburban, large/small, and public/parochial environments to create a truly unique ability to connect to those he serves. His experiences range from teaching beginning instrumentalists in a boiler room, to premiering new works at the university level, to working with young African musicians learning to play an instrument. Yet always, from Glasgow, Scotland, to Zambia, Africa, and at regional, state, national, and international conferences, Milt’s humor, passion, and experience combine to illuminate the possibilities of both music and the live art of performance.
Milt’s articles and insights have appeared in music, parenting, and educational magazines as well as various newspapers, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune. He is also the author of Music, Artistry, and Education: A Journey Towards Musical Growth and Enlightenment (published by Meredith Music Publications, a division of GIA Publications).
Ensembles under Doc’s direction have received numerous awards at local, state, and national levels, including recognition by the United States Congress for Musical Excellence. He is a two-time high school Teacher of the Year, a Kansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, and is listed in various Who’s Who publications. Other honors and distinctions include five awards from The Ohio State University School of Music recognizing his teaching and service and selection as a Conducting Fellow for the Eastman Wind Ensemble’s 40th Anniversary. In 2008, Dr. Allen became the first civilian in the history of the United States Air Force to tour as a featured conductor (USAF Heritage of America Band) and received an Eastern Illinois University Achievement and Contribution Award. Most recently, he served as the conductor training program guest clinician for the United States Army School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA.
Dr. Allen is sponsored by Meredith Music Publications, a division of GIA Publications.
Workshops
Making Music in an Age of Anxiety: We Need “US” Now More Than Ever - Music Education
Stress, depression, anxiety, and fear have pushed so many of us to the brink of collapse, resignation or career change. So much coming at us – and our students. Still, we’re supposed to teach, to make music. But in all the discussion and programs and plans, what happened to those who stand in front of the students? US? And does music even matter? Let’s take time to understand, reflect on, and redefine ourselves and our mission – all of which have never been more important!
Music IS the High Ground - Music Education
We’ve been caught-up in the “-er” blitz: Music makes us smarter, better, faster, etc. But in the rush to try to substantiate the importance of music education, we’ve left behind the most important thing: music itself. Emerging brain research and our own experiences in the rehearsal room now combine to show us the absolute need for the incredible art we teach and why music should be taught for its own sake. Prepare to get armed in the war for keeping music in schools!
Why We Matter - Music Education
There has never been a more important time for music in the classroom. Emerging brain research and our own experiences in the rehearsal room now combine to show us the absolute need for the incredible art we teach! Get ready for a chance to recharge, some history, some science, and a call to action!
Making Music Amidst the Madness: Rediscovering Our Musical Self - Music Education
Music educators are quitting at an alarming rate. Arts education is in crisis. Low pay, poor conditions, helicopter parents, no support, and the only measure of successful music education sits on the trophy shelf. Is this what you thought it would be like? Come reflect, recharge, and/or rediscover that original passion for music. Enjoy an inspiring session that examines our personal musical journey and what impact that has on our students.