31 January 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my sincere pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Adam Miller and his application for a teaching position
in your school system. I have known Mr. Miller for approximately five years as an undergraduate instructor in multiple courses and
as a research collaborator.

I first encountered Adam while teaching an introductory music education course. It quickly became apparent that he was curious,
open to considering new perspectives, and had (and has!) an enviably gregarious and magnetic personality. Over the ensuing years, I
have learned that beneath that engaging and outgoing surface is a thoughtful, justice-oriented, and hard-working early career
professional.

As a preservice teacher, Adam participated in a variety of experiences consistent with common practice in instrumental music
education. He performed with numerous large ensembles as a tubist, completed a variety of instrumental methods and technique
courses, and was selected as a drum major for our university’s marching band. Yet, my most lasting memories of Adam come from
experiences he elected to pursue because they interested him and helped prepare him to be a more well-rounded educator capable
of engaging all students. These include him: electing to take a secondary general music course, adding significantly to a heavy junior
year course load, building his own electric guitar as part of course requirements; playing that guitar (as a secondary instrumentalist)
in JMU’s production of Green Day’s American Idiot; developing a discussion among several peers after a beginning instrumental
methods course I was teaching into collaborating on research studies that have led to multiple international conference
presentations and peer-reviewed publications. (On a lighter note, I also recall that Adam volunteered his time to celebrate a faculty
member who had just completed their doctoral dissertation by filling their office with balloons!)

While Adam clearly possesses skills to succeed in music education as it currently exists, what sets Adam apart from most candidates
is his desire and ability to grapple with and work toward what music education might be in the future. He brings musical flexibility,
content and pedagogical knowledge, keen intellect, infectious enthusiasm, and a readily apparent care for others to his work. I
would be thrilled to have Mr. Miller be my children’s public school music teacher—a statement I make neither widely nor lightly.

Adam Miller will undoubtedly be an asset to any school and community fortunate enough to have him in its midst. I am pleased to
offer Adam my highest recommendation without reservations. Please do not hesitate to contact me further should you wish to
speak further.

Sincerely,

David A. Stringham, Ph.D.

Director of Research, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement
Professor of Music
James Madison University College of Visual and Performing Arts
540.568.5279 | stringda@jmu.edu
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
MSC 2107, 147 Warsaw Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-7131 Phone
College of Visual 540-568-7173 Fax
and Performing Arts www.jmu.edu/arts