Mila Dores was born in Porto, Portugal, where from the tender age of 6 years old, she studied classical piano and singing.
While a student at Leeds College of Music, she studied under, and was mentored by Matthew Bourne and Christophe de Bezenac (Trio VD), among many others and Northern Indian classical singer Pandit Kaushiki Chakrabati.

In parallel to the jazz studies at Leeds College of Music she explored and pursued her interest in improvisation techniques, composition and Hindustani Music.
After graduating from the jazz degree at Leeds College of Music in 2009 she was acclaimed 'upcoming jazz musician of the year' by Jazz Yorkshire, entering their promotion and support scheme for new artists, the ''Futures Scheme'' where she received a bursary for composition and