Miller began his career as band director at Tempe Union High School in Tempe, Arizona. In 1966, he started the instrumental program at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. In 1970, he became a member of the faculty at Arizona State University where, in addition to serving as Assistant Director of the School of Music, he developed the prestigious degree in jazz performance. After serving as chair of the department of music at Stephen F. Austin State
University from 1982-86, Miller became director of the School of Music at the University of Idaho where he was instrumental in naming the school for Lionel Hampton. He holds a BA and MA in music education from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in music from Michigan State University. In the 1970s, he was a member of the Kenton Clinics faculty. He has served as adjudicator and clinician throughout the country.