“It’s not a cliché; we really are like a family,” Dean Shelton Berg of the Frost School of Music said.
The University of Miami Frost School of Music was founded in 1926. For over 80 years, it has been a place full of people passionate about one common thing: music.
“It’s a hard school to be in, but your passion will make it easier,” said Ashley Armstrong, a sophomore majoring in musical theater.
Like many, when she first got to UM, Armstrong knew she loved music but didn’t know if that would be enough. She was unsure about whether she could improve her skills.
“I was kind of intimidated just because during orientation they make you take a bunch of theory tests and hearing tests; it’s to put you at your level,” Armstrong said. “I’ve already improved so much so that by graduation I’ll have these things down.”
She also attributes her quick success and improvements to her professors who have been more than helpful.
“All the teachers I’ve had I’ve really enjoyed working with,” Armstrong said. “They are really talented and know their stuff. They’re really helpful.”
Of course, with a faculty comprised of former members of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Miami Sound Machine and the World Symphony Orchestra, it doesn’t come as a surprise.
And the Frost School of Music not only has notable professors, but top-notch programs that are available to students.
These programs include the Stamps Family Distinguished Visitor Series, which helps bring well-known musicians to UM, Festival of Miami, an annual music festival, and a program that brings the Cleveland Orchestra to play with students.
The school of music is also a huge part of Category 5, a publishing company, and ‘Cane Records, the university’s own record label.