My Story
John Cloyd Miller is a performing artist, songwriter, and teacher based in Asheville, North Carolina, and the grandson of pioneering bluegrass fiddler Jim Shumate. An award-winning songwriter, having placed 1st in both the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest, John has also been honored with an Artist Fellowship in songwriting from the North Carolina Arts Council.
John currently performs nationally and internationally with his acclaimed band, Zoe & Cloyd, alongside his wife and musical partner Natalya Zoe Weinstein. To date they have recorded 9 albums together in various projects.
In addition to writing and performing, John is a dedicated educator, teaching applied traditional music and songwriting at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. His work reflects a profound respect for Appalachian heritage coupled with a passion for innovation, and a commitment to passing on musical traditions to the next generation.
John Cloyd MillerI like to meet students where they are by encouraging their interests and building on knowledge that’s already motivating them, while introducing them to new concepts.
Courses Taught
- MUS 2141: Art of Songwriting
- MUS 2500: Applied Songwriting
- MUS 2710: Bluegrass Band