Bob Miller Scholarship
Honouring two outstanding students each year, the Bob Miller Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate technical skills, perseverance, musical expression, and a positive attitude towards learning and collaboration.
Serving as chair of the HMC board from 2008 until his passing in 2023, Bob Miller’s enduring love of music, and of all the positives it brings, generated its just rewards.
Students are nominated for this scholarship by their instructor and graded on a merit-based rubric. Recipients of the award are offered a one-year spot in their selected HMC program for free. Two recipients are chosen, one from the Instrumental/Vocal stream and one from the Musical Futures Production Program.
Students are nominated based on the following rubric:
1. Technical Skills
- Demonstrates proficiency in basic music theory concepts (notes, rhythms, etc.).
- Shows proficiency in basic instrument techniques (finger placement, bowing, etc.).
- Displays consistent improvement in technical abilities over time.
2. Musical Expression
- Conveys emotion and musicality through performances and projects.
- Shows understanding of dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.
- Demonstrates an ability to interpret and express the intended mood of the piece.
3. Commitment and Effort
- Shows dedication to regular practice and attendance at lessons.
- Takes initiative to seek additional resources and guidance.
- Demonstrates perseverance in overcoming challenges and obstacles.
4. Attitude and Behaviour
- Displays a positive attitude toward learning and collaboration.
- Shows respect for teachers, fellow students, and program guidelines.
- Demonstrates good behaviour and discipline during lessons and rehearsals.
Winners are awarded each June, and recognized in our Fall quarterly newsletter.
About Bob Miller:
Hamilton-born Bob Miller graduated from the Business program at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute and was recruited to join Dofasco’s sales department. In over four decades in the North American steel industry, he assumed a number of senior executive positions involving production, processing, distribution, industry support and consultation. During that period, as a place of safe refuge, Bob could be regularly found at the former Hamilton Thistle Club, hammering a squash ball and sharing a post-match libation with many like-minded colleagues. He cherished the wonderful marriage he had with Rosemary and was gratified by the successes of his two adult children, Leigh and Dan. While not a musician, music was a lifetime passion, which was personified by him co-founding and chairing the “Steeltown Friends of Mohawk Music,” which provided substantial financial support to the Mohawk College music program. As chair of the HMC board from 2008 until his passing in 2023, this love of music and all the positives it brings generated its just rewards for Bob.