Matthew Miller

Director of Performing Arts Admission, BW Conservatory

M.S. IMC, West Virginia University
B.S., Ohio University

Contact:

Where might you see me? Cleveland's west side suburbs and music related college fairs around the country.

My hometown: Chardon, Ohio

What makes BW distinctive for me? Having access to a top-ranked Conservatory of Performing Arts in a small, safe, liberal arts university campus with quick access to renowned art, music, sports, restaurants, etc. sets BW apart in my mind. The supportive and engaged faculty are invested in your success. With a 7:1 faculty to student ratio, our students actually get to learn side by side with their instructors and leverage their deep expertise.

What do I love most about Berea and Cleveland? It's my hometown. After living elsewhere for the better part of 17 years, I learned to miss all that this area has to offer. I am very glad to be back where my kids will have an opportunity to experience all four seasons alongside family and lifelong friends.

Where would I still like to visit that I haven't already? Anywhere outside of North America.

What is the most interesting place I have visited? New Orleans - there's no city like it in the U.S.

What am I currently reading in my spare time? Geronimo Stilton and Arthur books to my daughters; Stephen King's "Salem's Lot" with my teenage son; Terry Pluto's columns on Cleveland.com

What is my favorite movie? "Reservoir Dogs"

If I got to meet any historical figure, who would it be and why? William Shakespeare. He seems like the type of person who may have interesting things to say and a unique way of saying them that would still be relevant today.

What song can't I get out of my head right now? Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"

My message to prospective students thinking about the value of college and BW: Take the time to explore all of your options, but do so with the goal of finding a place where you can combine your passion with a reasonable career path. College is about learning how to be an adult, including living on your own for the first time, moving to a new place, being solely responsible for your academic success and developing a plan for long-term growth. Never forget that it's your life, and you get to choose which direction it goes. The key is to find a place that helps support your dreams by showing you how to turn them into a plan of action.