Richard Miller

Founder, Co-Executive Director

As a young musician growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Richard fell in love with the music of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. He began learning to play the saxophone in his middle school’s band program where he developed lasting friendships and musical skills that opened his heart to an exciting world of art and expression. He went on to study jazz music at the University of New Orleans with Ellis Marsalis and then William Paterson University where he completed his degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance.

Richard moved to NYC after graduation where he worked as a performer, composer and public school music teacher in Brooklyn. This teaching experience galvanized his belief in the crucial role music education can play in all children's lives.

In the spring of 2009, Richard founded UpBeat NYC with his wife, Liza Austria, where he serves in various capacities including Co-Executive Director, Saxophone Instructor and Ensemble Leader. Through his work at UpBeat, Richard is grateful to have the opportunity to share his love of music with the next generation of young musical explorers. Above all, he appreciates the nurturing and supportive spirit that the UpBeat community exudes and instills in its young musicians.