Biography

One of a new generation of postmodernist performers, Joshua Millard belongs to an emerging class of young musicians who defy traditional paradigms of genre, style, and career.  Moving effortlessly between classical, jazz, new music and popular styles, he has performed to critical acclaim throughout the country, often specializing in music that transcends stereotypes and boundaries. 

As a guest soloist, he has been featured in a variety of both traditional and non-traditional settings.  On electric guitar, he recently performed the sublimely eclectic concerto MF (Not a Dynamic Marking) by composer James Bohn, which fuses compositional techniques based on sudoku with a "surf guitar" inspired orchestration.   He also recently performed Cary John Franklin's Fantasy for Electric Guitar and Wind Ensemble, inspired by good old-fashioned rock and roll.  In addition, he has been a guest soloist in traditional settings: he has performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the University of Maryland Repertory Orchestra, Poul Ruders' Psalmodies with the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble, and Roger Zahab's Double Concerto for Flute, Guitar and Percussion Orchestra with the Dedalus New Music Ensemble.

Joshua Millard also performs extensively as a solo artist, and has been seen in halls, clubs, festivals, and non-traditional venues across the country.  These include auspicious guest appearances at the Oberlin Conservatory, MIT, the Eastman School of Music Summer Guitar Festival, Southeastern Guitar Congress, Northeastern University, Loomis Chafee High School, University of Southwestern Louisiana, the White Bird Modern Art Gallery, Boston’s historic King’s Chapel, Springwater Zen Center, The Boardwalk, and the Sacramento Jazz Festival.    

As a classical guitarist, he is known for pursuing innovative programming that stands in marked contrast to the typical music recital.  His Question Concerts, in which an overarching theme is presented in the form of a socially/musically relevant question, have received widespread critical and audience accolades.  His most recent effort in this area featured programming masterworks in reverse chronological order, beginning with new music and ending with Bach's famous masterpiece, the Chaconne (the question was simply, "Has music evolved?").  Other themed concerts have dealt with various musical depictions of mortality, love, madness, seasons and water. 

Joshua Millard is on the faculty of Bridgewater State and Stonehill Colleges, where he teaches various music classes, directs a guitar ensemble, and provides instruction to two thriving collegiate guitar studios.  In addition, he teaches privately, specializing in college entrance audition preparation, as well as the instruction of older students who are coming to guitar later in life.  Former students have been accepted into such prestigious music schools as San Francisco Conservatory, Ithaca College, and the Eastman School of Music. 

Joshua Millard holds a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, and currently resides in Providence, RI.  Other interests include running and exploring the countryside via motorcycle. 

 

Press

"The Bryant Art Series hosted a talented virtuoso who brought to campus both eccentric, energetic pieces…  Joshua Millard's lovely performance alongside the backdrop of falling snow made for a charming evening… Hopefully, Mr. Millard will grace Bryant [University] with another visit."
-Katarina Rosales
The Archway (Feb. 22nd, 2008)

 

"His elegant tone, sophisticated phrasing and professional poise were all outstanding, and represented a musical high point of the festival…"
-Adam Sarata
Soundboard (Jan. 2008)

 

"...A captivating guitarist who brilliantly carried his audience on a journey from Bach to Piazzolla with astonishing facility!"
-Denice Karamardian
Producer/Host, Crossing Borders Live radio concert series (Apr. 5th, 2007)

 

"…Elegant, fresh and poetic…"
-Nicholas Goluses
Eastman School of Music

 

"…A truly stunning piece and performance.  Classical guitarist Joshua Millard gave a tremendous display of artistry in his interpretation of the solo…  The 11-movement work moved through a variety of sound colors and expressions…"
-Emily Manzo
The Oberlin Review (Dec. 11th, 1998)

 

"...Verve… Energy… Security and intelligence… A fantastic performance from Joshua Millard."
-Sacramento Classical Guitar Society
La Guitarra (July, 1997)