Laura McMillan Bio
Laura McMillan is an American solo pianist. An award winning virtuoso, she proclaims her love of life and strong faith through her music and the relationships they produce.
Born and raised in Portland Oregon, her path began at a very young age. Recognized as a prodigy, McMillan studied under well-known Marylhurst University piano teacher Sister Emerentia Berndorfner. She attended the University of Illinios at Champaign/Urbana where she studied with nationally known Beethoven expert, teacher and performer Dr. Kenneth Drake. McMillan then graduated with professional degrees in performance, composition, and pedagogy.
As an accomplished solo artist, McMillan has released three timeless and classic albums deeply connecting her soul to the music and gift she has been given. “Without Words”, “Linger Longer” and “Storybook Love” all released courtesy of Perhaps Piano Records, LLC have received critical acclaim as well as strong terrestrial, satellite and online radio airplay. Her music is gentle and soothing. Listeners are captivated by the natural purity of the notes which McMillan indicates, “reflect the moments of peace and tranquility in my life”.
It was not always this way however for McMillan. Her testimony is powerful. A cancer survivor that was diagnosed only days after her mother passed away, entered into a period of absolute darkness. “It was during this time my life became strained. I prayed that somehow God would navigate me through this devastating time. I was directed back to my Steinway and composed “Linger Longer”. That project although extremely personal and private provided me with the healing that was necessary for both my illness and profound grief.” states McMillan.
“Linger Longer”, achieved Top 5 status on the international Zone Music Reporter Top 100 airplay chart. Receiving stellar album reviews, and significant notoriety from around the world, she was named “Artist of the Year” and the CD was named “Album of the Year” in the annual awards competition voted on by radio listeners and held by One World Music, the top radio channel of new age music based in the United Kingdom. Her music has become so popular on the channel that station management offered the pianist “the Laura McMillan Show” where she played her own compositions as well as the music of others on a monthly radio program.
In 2014, “Storybook Love” released to the accolades of global music critics who have proclaimed this project hauntingly-beautiful and a master’s quality work. Again McMillan pierced the Top 5 on the international Zone Music Reporter Top 100 airplay chart. To accompany Storybook Love, a stunning full length theatrical music video was produced that adds dimension and individuality to this gifted performer.
In closing McMillan adds: “I have been given an incredible gift - the ability to compose and play music. I look forward to performing live concerts and the moment when I can share my music with audiences throughout the world.”