Allison Miller stands among the most respected modern jazz drummers and bandleaders working today, recognized for a style that balances deep groove with quick, orchestral-level detail. Based in New York City, she’s built a career that moves easily between adventurous improvisation, singer-songwriter settings, and forward-leaning jazz ensembles.
Raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Miller began playing drums at age 10 and later moved to New York, developing into a first-call drummer with wide-ranging credits. As a leader, she’s best known for Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom, a project praised for its strong compositions and ensemble sound, with releases including Boom Tic Boom, No Morphine, No Lilies, and Glitter Wolf. Alongside her own work, she has been an important member of ARTEMIS, the Blue Note supergroup co-led by Renee Rosnes, appearing on the band’s albums and touring as part of one of the most visible modern jazz lineups.
Recent activity: In July 2025, Berklee announced Miller as the 2025–2026 Ken Pullig Visiting Scholar in Jazz Studies, reflecting her standing as both a performer and educator. In 2025, ARTEMIS released its third Blue Note album Arboresque, which includes an original composition by Miller and continued the group’s high-profile momentum.
Plays: Pearl; Yamaha, Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Evans.
Sources: AllisonMiller.com; Berklee College of Music; ARTEMIS (official website); Financial Times; The New School.
Update: January 23, 2026
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