The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music presents some impressive statistics, with 91% of their music graduates securing full-time jobs or gaining acceptance to graduate programs.
These numbers may reflect the school’s unique approach, known as “The Frost Method.”
Frost employs a barrier-free philosophy. Students are encouraged to perform and learn across departments and genres, developing into well-rounded musicians who understand music from the inside out.
The school’s focus extends beyond just musical education. While artistic pursuits are central, Frost aims to equip musicians with the technological and entrepreneurial skills necessary for real-world success.
Established in 1926, Frost currently enrolls just over 700 students. It’s worth noting that they were the first music school to offer a degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries.
It’s also one of the most diverse music schools, in terms of its academic offerings.
While Frost has traditional majors like classical & jazz performance, it also offers two music production programs, one focusing on film scoring and another on audio engineering, and even a contemporary music performance degree.
Some of Frost’s ensembles include the Frost Symphony Orchestra, Latin Jazz Big Band, Jazz Vocal, Funk/Fusion, and Stamps Brass Quintet, among many others.
With its excellent faculty, open-minded learning approach, and numerous performance opportunities, the Frost School of Music appears to be a compelling option for aspiring music students.
Frost School of Music Acceptance Rate
The Frost School of Music is quite selective, accepting about 20% of its applicants depending on the year.
Some programs at Frost are more selective than others.
For example, the media scoring & technology program at Frost accepts only takes 10 students a year into its program! There are many applicants for this program, making it among the more competitive options at Frost.
Some programs, like musical theater, are technically not housed at the Frost School of Music, but rather in the schools’ drama department. The acceptance rate into their MT program is quite low.
Statistics & Facts At-a-Glance About Frost School of Music (2024)
Here are some quick stats about the Frost School of Music.
Number of Students: 700 (source)
Number of Faculty: 126 (source)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Tuition per year: $60,720 (source)
Ensembles/Opportunities: 38 jazz ensembles (both large and small), 4 full orchestras, 4 bands, 4 songwriter ensembles, and much more (source)
Frost School of Music’s Famous Alumni
The Frost School of Music has produced numerous successful graduates who have made significant impacts in various areas of the music industry:
Ben Folds, an alternative rock musician, vocalist, and songwriter, attended Frost. Known for his work with Ben Folds Five and his successful solo career, Folds has become a prominent figure in the indie rock scene.
Will Lee, the longtime bassist for the “Late Show with David Letterman,” is another distinguished Frost alumnus. His versatility and skill have made him one of the most sought-after session musicians in the industry.
Jazz composer and bandleader Maria Schneider studied at Frost before going on to win multiple Grammy Awards for her innovative orchestral jazz compositions.
Patti Scialfa, vocalist and guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (and Springsteen’s wife), honed her musical skills at the Frost School before achieving fame in rock music.
Jon Secada, a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for his Latin pop hits, is another notable Frost graduate who has found success in the commercial music world.
Steve Morse, guitarist for rock bands Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple, attended Frost as well.
Opera singer Elizabeth Caballero, who has performed with the Metropolitan Oper, SF Opera, Seattle Opera, and many more institutions.
These alumni are a testament to Frost School of Music’s influence in the world of music, from popular music and jazz to classical and beyond.
Amazing Faculty at the School You Can Study With
The Frost School of Music boasts an impressive roster of faculty members, each bringing unique expertise and industry experience to the institution:
Craig Morris, a renowned trumpet player, serves on the faculty. His credentials include a stint as principal trumpeter with the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra, lending students invaluable insights from the world of a professional orchestra.
Shelly Berg, the current dean of Frost, is an accomplished jazz pianist. His leadership combines administrative acumen with hands-on musical expertise, bridging the gap between education and professional practice.
Songwriter Craig Carothers brings real-world industry experience to the classroom. His works have been recorded by country music star Trisha Yearwood, among others, offering students a glimpse into the commercial songwriting world.
Dafnis Prieto, a Cuban-American drummer, stands out for his innovative approach to rhythm. His accolades include Grammy nominations and a prestigious MacArthur Fellow award in 2011, recognized for his extraordinary creativity and potential for future achievements.
Charles Castleman, a legendary violin teacher, has shaped the careers of many world-class string players.
Other notable faculty members include one of the world’s most successful orchestral conductors, Gerard Schwarz, and Olga Cardona, a woman who has worked in music publishing for decades, including careers at both BMG and Universal Music Publishing.
Frost School of Music Ranking
Frost has been highly ranked by a number of publications in music.
Niche.com ranks it the 17th best music school in the nation.
Hollywood Reporter lists it as the 19th-best music school.
Billboard.com ranks it among the best music business programs in the country.
All rankings should be simply a starting point, not a final determining factor for choosing the right college for you.
The journey to finding your best-fit college should consider what YOU are looking for in a college, the community, environment, etc.
Determining If Miami Frost Is Your Right-Fit College
The Frost School of Music stands out as an excellent choice for students with diverse musical interests from classical performance to jazz to songwriting.
Frost offers aspiring songwriters a minor in Creative American Music (CAM), which allows students to hone their compositional skills in contemporary genres.
The Modern Artist Development & Entrepreneurship (MADE) program is ideal for those pursuing popular music performance.
This innovative major combines traditional performance pedagogy with an essential music business curriculum, preparing students for the multifaceted nature of today’s music industry.
Students interested in the business side of music will find dedicated programs in music business and two distinct tracks in music production, reflecting Frost’s commitment to industry-relevant education.
Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate Frost’s reputable jazz program. Students not only benefit from numerous ensemble opportunities within the school but also find performance venues in the vibrant Greater Miami area.
Despite its contemporary focus, Frost hasn’t neglected classical training.
The school has recruited highly accomplished classical music faculty, including members of major orchestras, making it an attractive option for students seeking top-tier classical instruction.
Frost’s location offers a unique advantage. Situated in Coral Gables, it provides proximity to Miami’s dynamic music scene without being in the heart of the city.
This setting allows students to enjoy a traditional campus experience while having access to a major metropolitan area’s cultural and professional opportunities.
As part of the prestigious University of Miami, it offers the focused musical education of a conservatory within the context of a renowned research university.
Improving Your Chances of Acceptance at Frost
Improving your chances of acceptance to the Frost School of Music requires a strategic approach.
Most Frost programs require a prescreening recording, so dedicating time to creating an outstanding recording can significantly set you apart from other applicants.
Pay attention to details such as lighting and camera quality, as these technical aspects can profoundly influence how your performance is perceived.
Additionally, It can be advantageous to schedule trial lessons with faculty members in your programs of interest before applying.
To gain valuable insight into the school and its offerings, you can apply to one of Frost’s various summer programs.
These include the Chopin Academy for piano, songwriting and music production workshops, and jazz instrumental and vocal intensives.
Touring the campus and visiting the school can help demonstrate your interest while giving you firsthand experience of the facilities and atmosphere.
Frost offers an early action option, which can be a way to show your strong interest in the school.
Remember, the admissions process is holistic, so focus on presenting your best self across all aspects of your application.
PS
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and get accepted into the best college program for you, schedule a 100% free, zero-obligation consultation with us.
We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and tell you about how we can help you, or the musician in your family, gain admission into the best college for your future.
