Cindee Nilson Miller is an accomplished singer, actress, songwriter, recording artist, and business professional whose remarkable career spans more than four decades. With a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts, Cindee has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing Broadway musicals, jazz, country music, contemporary Christian music, songwriting, and professional recording. Her extensive musical training, theatrical experience, and dedication to sharing her talents have shaped a life rich in artistic achievement, professional excellence, faith, and community service.
Early Life and Musical Education
Born into a musical family, Cindee grew up on Long Island, New York, where her love of music was nurtured from an early age. As the daughter of a professional musician, she began performing with her father's band while still a young girl, developing a natural stage presence and a deep appreciation for a wide variety of musical styles.
A graduate of Smithtown High School East, Cindee pursued formal musical training under the guidance of Nancy Pinto, who became not only her voice and music theory instructor but also an influential mentor. Nancy encouraged Cindee to follow her dreams and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to musical excellence.
Cindee was accepted into the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music, where she studied drama, musical theater, and voice under Mary Saunders. She further expanded her musical education at the Berklee College of Music, studying jazz improvisation with Maggie Scott.
Continuing her education at Western Connecticut State University, Cindee majored in Vocal Performance, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. During her studies, she received classical vocal training from Don Craig and specialized instruction in jazz and gospel music from James Furman.
As the lead vocalist of the university's jazz ensemble, Cindee distinguished herself as a versatile performer with the ability to interpret a broad range of musical genres.
A Distinguished Career in the Performing Arts
Throughout her entertainment career, Cindee has performed in numerous musical theater productions, including Godspell, The Music Man, Cabaret, and Broadway Tomorrow, among others.
Her strong theatrical foundation, combined with her classical and jazz training, has allowed her to move comfortably between the worlds of musical theater, jazz, gospel, country, and contemporary Christian music.
Among her notable jazz performance experiences are appearances with the legendary Billy Taylor Trio, renowned jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, and the West Point Jazz Ensemble.
In addition to her accomplishments on stage, Cindee worked as a model for L'Oréal hair products in New York during her youth and was featured in Hair Magazine.
Songwriting and Recording Career
An accomplished and passionate songwriter, Cindee has developed an extensive catalog of original compositions inspired by her life experiences, personal relationships, faith, and the people she has encountered throughout her journey.
Her ability to tell meaningful stories through music has become one of the defining characteristics of her songwriting.
Metropolitan Nashville, Inc. released her debut album, Cindee, on the Platinum Plus Records label. The album showcased her talents as both a vocalist and songwriter and introduced audiences to her distinctive blend of country and inspirational music.
Two original compositions from the album, "Be My Guide" and "New York Country Girl," received Top Ten recognition in the Christian and Country categories of the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, sponsored by the Songwriters' Association of Washington and BMI.
Although Cindee's musical foundation is deeply rooted in jazz and Broadway, she discovered a special connection with country music because of its tradition of storytelling and its ability to reflect the experiences of everyday life.
Her Christian faith has also been a powerful influence on her artistic journey. Through her music, Cindee seeks to inspire, encourage, and share messages of hope, love, and faith, embracing her calling as an ambassador for the Kingdom of God.
Continuing her creative journey, Cindee is currently developing two new recording projects: a Contemporary Christian album and a Jazz album, both anticipated for release in 2027.
Radio Broadcasting and Nilson Music Company
In 2000, Cindee entered the radio broadcasting industry, beginning a successful 15-year career that combined her business expertise with her passion for music and communications.
During this time, she gained extensive experience in radio business management, advertising, and the needs of commercial broadcasters and their clients.
In 2011, she founded Nilson Music Company, an entertainment and music services business offering commercial jingle writing, professional voiceovers, singing telegrams, vocal instruction, and live entertainment.
Through Nilson Music Company, Cindee continues to combine her artistic talents with her entrepreneurial experience, providing personalized musical services and entertainment for a variety of audiences and occasions.
Professional Career in Accounting and Business Management
In addition to her distinguished career in entertainment, Cindee has enjoyed an equally accomplished professional career in accounting, payroll administration, government contracting, and business management.
With 40 years of experience in accounting, she has worked with organizations ranging from small businesses and nonprofit organizations to major corporations and government contractors.
Her professional background includes 18 years specializing in government contracting, with particular emphasis on government cost accounting and payroll administration.
Throughout her career, Cindee has held positions with organizations including Mega Communications, the Washington Redskins Radio Network, Morrison Knudsen and Harbert International, Brown & Root Services Corporation, DJ Wachter and Associates, and A Solution, Inc.
Since June 2012, Cindee has served as a Payroll Accountant with Ashton-Group Services, LLC (AGS), where she manages payroll processing, payroll tax administration, federal and state compliance, employee benefit funding and reconciliation, workers' compensation audits, and retirement plan compliance for multiple clients.
Cindee earned her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in October 2016 and her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2021.
She is an active member of PayrollOrg and the Human Resources Certification Institute and remains committed to continuing professional education and excellence in her field.
Her educational pursuits have also included specialized studies in government contracting through The George Washington University's contracting program.
Cindee's unique combination of artistic creativity, financial expertise, leadership, and organizational skills has enabled her to make meaningful contributions in both the entertainment and business communities.
Faith, Community Service, and The Villages
Today, Cindee resides in The Villages, Florida, where she remains actively involved in music, church ministry, charitable organizations, and community leadership.
She serves as a choir member and cantor with St. Timothy's Catholic Church, sharing her vocal talents in worship and liturgical celebrations.
Cindee is also a member of the Sunshine Harmony Chorus, continuing her lifelong love of ensemble singing and musical performance.
Her commitment to the performing arts extends to her service as Recording Secretary of The Opera Club of The Villages, Inc., an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting opera, musical excellence, and appreciation for the vocal arts.
In addition to her musical activities, Cindee serves as Regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Our Lady of Czestochowa #2407, where she provides leadership in faith-based service, charitable outreach, and community fellowship.
She also serves as Treasurer of A Center for Living Hope, a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding organization offering programs at Grand Oaks.
Through these many roles, Cindee continues to demonstrate her belief that talents and professional abilities are gifts meant to be shared in service to others.
A Life Dedicated to Music, Faith, and Service
Whether performing on stage, composing an original song, managing complex financial responsibilities, or volunteering her time to support the community, Cindee Nilson Miller approaches every endeavor with passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Her journey from a young singer performing with her father's band on Long Island to an accomplished recording artist, respected business professional, and active member of The Villages' performing arts community reflects a lifetime of perseverance, versatility, and commitment to excellence.
For Cindee, music is far more than entertainment. It is a means of storytelling, a celebration of life, an expression of faith, and a wonderful opportunity to bring people together.
To learn more about Cindee Nilson Miller and her music, visit www.nilsonmusiccompany.com.