Story & Lesson Highlights with Tamara Miller of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tamara Miller. Check out our conversation below.

Tamara , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Thanks so much! It’s great to connect with your readers.
I believe we’re all born with a calling — a purpose that quietly tugs at us until we finally listen. For me, that calling has been music. From an early age, I always gravitated to the piano. It’s the place where I feel most at home. I love listening to my favorite film scores — the way they carry me through waves of emotion and then pull me into the stillness that lives between the notes. The imagination is endless. Composing scores and writing songs for film and television has long been a dream of mine. I feel so grateful that I get to do what I love.

Chasing the dream led me to Los Angeles where I’ve been fortunate to collaborate on incredible projects. It’s been a journey fueled by persistence, intuition, and that nagging gut feeling — the “knowing” that this is what I’m meant to do. Of course, there are days when the path feels uncertain and I wonder what life might look like had I chosen something more conventional. But that’s just not me. At the end of the day, it always comes back to the dream. That creative instinct, that inner drive, thirst for creating that keeps pulling me in. Writing a song in my dream at 3 am., then waking just long enough to sing the melody into my phone. The process never really stops — it’s always in motion. If there’s something you’re chasing, listen to your gut and trust that pull. And never stop.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tamara Miller, I’m a Los Angeles-based composer, producer, pianist, and songwriter crafting original scores and songs for film, television, and visual media. I specialize in composing emotionally resonant melodies —often led by the piano—to bring depth and heart to the screen. Some fun noteworthy placements include: Love Is Blind, Saturday Night Live, The Young and the Restless, Hallmark Christmas movies, The Bachelor, Tom and Jerry Holiday Promo (Warner Bros.), National Medicare Ad, MLB & FOX Sports Hall of Fame Documentaries.

I began performing my original songs in coffeehouses across Toronto. I was thrilled when the title track from my debut EP, 60 Seconds, landed on the TV series, Degrassi: The Next Generation. Since then, I’ve written and produced music for a variety of projects, including TV shows, films, and production music libraries. As a vocalist and songwriter, I often collaborate with other musicians and producers which is always a lot of fun!

Recently, an exciting moment in my career came when my composition “Sweet Days Ahead” from my album ‘It’s a Lovely Day’ (MPATH/APM Music) was selected for a major advertising campaign. The ‘Made By Choice’ campaign went on to win a Gold Clio Award. I was also honored this year with the Bronze Telly Award for my original score for the documentary short film, Finding My Edge.

As a voting member of both the Recording Academy and Television Academy, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with many talented artists and writers in Los Angeles. I’ve been a featured speaker at industry events including NAMM and most recently as a guest on APM’s Sound Screen podcast (featured on Apple Podcasts), sharing my experiences and journey in composing.

I just finished writing and producing some new music for Season 9 of Love is Blind. Lots of drama on that show! I’m currently writing music for upcoming seasons of Reality TV as well as composing new albums for some exciting projects. You can find my music on: Netflix, CBS, Paramount+, FOX, ABC, NBC, CTV, GAC, Lifetime, Disney+, Peacock, HBO Max, and Hallmark.

In addition to composing, I’m also a published author and have written for Canadian Musician Magazine and Songwriter’s Market.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
That’s a great question! I remember playing in my basement one day and telling my best friend that we should cut out wings from yellow bristol board — it had to be yellow — and pretend we were flying. I guess you could say that was one of my earliest memories of feeling powerful. I truly believed that a pair of paper wings could lift me into the sky and let me fly above it all. I guess in a way I still use those imaginary wings. They continue to take flight every day — in every project and with every step forward. I find the imagination fascinating. As creatives, I feel we often sense we’re meant for more — sometimes we just need to spread our wings and fly somewhere new to explore the world.

Another early influence also began right in my childhood basement. When I was two years old, my mom signed me up for a rhythm band! I proudly played the spoons— clearly the first step in launching my music career. Certainly playing on my great grandmother’s piano in our home provided a lot of magic and inspiration.

So many great memories and early influences continue to shape who we are. I believe it comes down to having the courage to feel powerful even when things are challenging. Sometimes we need to get out of our own way so we can really see how far we can fly!

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I started taking piano lessons at a very young age with a wonderful teacher who taught me at home once a week. She brought me the best puffy stickers for my piano books. I loved my piano lessons. For several years, I continued studying classical music and played many different pieces from my favorite composers including Chopin and Erik Satie.

After a while of playing classical music, I decided I might need a break. I needed something else that could push my creative bounds. I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to quit piano. She noticed that I had this gift for music and wouldn’t let me give up. My mom found an incredible teacher who I started taking lessons from. My new teacher had the coolest music room in the world! Filled with organs and synthesizers with lots of buttons and shiny knobs. We performed everything from musical theatre classics like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to contemporary pop songs — and somewhere in the mix, I found my calling. I pursued a Bachelor of Music from York University and signed up for the songwriting course. That’s when everything clicked.

I came close to giving up, but with my family’s support and encouragement, my journey continues…

There are certainly days where it feels like you’re going in circles. You start a project and aren’t quite sure how to even begin and what to write. But somehow, it always comes together. The blank canvas becomes a little less daunting. Once you get going, things just start to snowball and the creative wheel begins to turn. I believe it’s all about staying in motion—it applies to everything in life. Walking daily and moving the body helps energize the mind and keep creativity flowing. For me, walking always inspires new ideas. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to spark inspiration.

Always remember why you started in the first place—even if that means taping a note to your wall with a positive mantra that stares at you every morning.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief of that inner knowing is powerful. I’ve always believed that you have to listen to your gut. It can only steer you in the right direction. I’ve been committed to this belief in everything I’ve worked on in my career. It’s connected me with the right people, friendships, and introduced me to a whole world of possibility and opportunity. If it’s your dream, chase it—no matter how long it takes.

I’ve been fortunate to work on many different albums including writing a holiday album of original songs called “Just Like a Christmas Movie.” The album was released on Graffiti Alley /APM Music and was featured on the Hallmark Christmas Movie “Holiday Mismatch.” Staying committed to the craft, being authentic, and having fun in the process is key to landing some fun projects.

It’s also okay to give yourself permission to change directions. Sometimes we get so close to achieving something, only to give up just a day away from success. Go all in! Your 8 year old self is counting on you to keep going.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace sitting at the piano. It always feels like home. There’s something profoundly soothing and fulfilling about resting my hands on the keys and simply letting the notes play.

The experience of playing piano has been magical. The notes always seem to tell me where they want to go and I have no other option than to play them. Sitting still in the emotion of playing the piano while fully embracing the present moment has woven its way into every aspect of my life.

This is what brings me peace.

Thank you for this great interview & for reading about my journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tamaramillermusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillermusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramillermusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamaraMillerMusic

Image Credits
“Just Like A Christmas Movie” – Graffiti Alley/APM Music
“It’s A Lovely Day” – MPATH / APM Music