I’m Eric Bloch Miller, a veteran music teacher who believes learning music should be a seriously fun experience. I bring energy, musical expertise, and high expectations to the classroom, challenging my students to discover and achieve their full potential.
At the same time, I try to never forget what it feels like to be an intimidated student—someone who wants to learn the language of music but is still working up the confidence to play those very first notes. My goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to take risks, grow their skills, and discover the joy of making music.
My teaching journey began in Paris, France, in 2002 and has continued for more than two decades. Much of my teaching career was spent in Portland, Oregon, where I taught marimba to students of all ages and backgrounds, helping countless musicians develop their skills, confidence, and love of music.
I recently relocated to Eugene, where I now teach elementary general music. I’m excited to continue sharing my passion for music education and creating meaningful, engaging musical experiences for young learners.
Currently, I am offering two after-school marimba ensembles on Wednesday afternoons, exclusively for students at Charlemagne Elementary. Classes are held in the music building at Charlemagne. Classes are designed to meet students where they are musically while providing a supportive and engaging group experience. Our purpose is to build meaningful musical ensembles with students who are engaged, committed, and excited to be here. The focus is on providing a purposeful musical experience—not simply supervision or childcare.
The class is for students in 4th and 5th grades who have previous marimba experience and are ready to develop their ensemble playing and musical skills further.
Students will build on their existing skills while learning more complex musical parts, developing independence within the ensemble, strengthening their rhythmic skills, and exploring additional repertoire.
This class emphasizes listening, collaboration, musical expression, and the unique experience of creating an interconnected sound as an ensemble.
Students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades will learn the fundamentals of playing marimba while developing rhythm, coordination, listening skills, and musical confidence.
Through group playing, students will begin learning traditional Zimbabwean-inspired marimba repertoire and discover the joy of creating music together.
The program is offered in three sessions
Fall Session
Oct 7th - December 16 (no class Nov 11th, Veteran's Day or November 25th/Thanksgiving)
Winter Session
Jan 6th - Mar 17th (No class Jan 13th) Registration opens Nov 4th.
Spring Session
April -June (Dates TBD)
Each session provides students with a consistent opportunity to build their skills, develop relationships with their ensemble members, and grow as musicians over time.
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Payment and Registration Instructions
Please complete the Google Form below to register:
Enrollment is currently available on a first-come, first-served basis. By registering, you are committing to the full session (9 weeks) and reserving your student’s place for the entire session, rather than enrolling class by class.
You will receive an email confirming your enrollment in the class once the minimum number of students enrolled (6) has been met. Once you receive your confirmation that the class will run, you may submit your payment.
Payment in full is due by the first class session. If you need to arrange an alternative payment plan or payment schedule, please contact the instructor in advance to discuss available options.
Payment Methods
VENMO: https://venmo.com/u/ericmarimba
PAYPAL: paypal.me/ericmarimba
CHECK: payable to Eric Bloch Miller
Cash: available
Credit Card: unavailable
Marimba is a wonderfully accessible instrument for children. Students learn to make music together while developing skills that extend far beyond the instrument itself.
Through marimba, students practice:
Musical skills and rhythm
Teamwork and collaboration
Active listening
Focus and concentration
Fine and gross motor coordination
Creativity and musical expression
Confidence and independence
Connection and community
Perhaps most importantly, students experience the excitement of making music with their peers. Each student contributes an important part to the ensemble, creating a musical experience that no individual could create alone.
Media
Metropolitan Learning Center student groups in Portland, OR. Boka Marimba at Zimfest.