February 2025 Student Spotlight: Vivian Miller

Our 2025 Student Spotlight series continues with a bright young vocalist and pianist – Vivian Miller. Vivian studies with Shannon Garrett, who calls Vivian an “exceptionally driven student who always pushes herself to learn new skills.” Shannon says Vivian “never backs down from a challenge and always enters each lesson asking how your day was with a smile on her face.”

In addition to being a fantastic musician, Vivian is also an amazing baker and a track athlete. Shannon emphasizes how far Vivian has come in such a short time and we can’t wait to see where her musical journey takes her. 

Congratulations Vivian on being the Stages Music Arts February 2025 Student Spotlight. Keep reading to learn more about Vivian in her own words!

What do you study and why did you pick that instrument?

I play the piano and I sing. I’ve been singing my entire life, and I wanted to learn an instrument that I could play while I sing.

Who is your teacher and what do you love about them?

My teacher is Shannon. I love how open and supportive she is. Every day when I walk in she asks how my weekend was, what’s on my mind, and what I want to learn that day. She has taught me so much – not only music, but advice for life! She is a great music teacher and also a great friend and mentor.

What kind of music do you listen to or play? Who is one of your favorite artists?

I like to listen to pop music. My current favorite artists are Florence + The Machine, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys. These four inspire me to be a powerful female singer like them.

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

I get really nervous before I go on stage. So far my greatest musical challenge has been trying to overcome that.

What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?

My favorite thing about Stages is that all of the staff is so nice, and the teachers have so much knowledge! It’s a privilege for me to be able to learn from them. Stages also provides so many opportunities for me to perform in bands and recitals.

What are your musical goals? 

I’d love to be able to play piano as well as Shannon, and be able to pick up the chords from a song the first couple times I listen to it.

What is one of your non-music-related goals?

Last year I did track and field for Owings Mills Track Club. I won bronze in high jump for both States and Regionals, and competed in the AAU Junior Olympics. My goal is to qualify for Junior Olympics again this year and do even better.

Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself not related to music.

I’m homeschooled and I have a Tibetan Mastiff dog.