Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

For her final doctoral recital, Frost School keyboard performance graduate Hongxi Li reimagined the concert experience through Bridging East and West: An Immersive Journey Through The Piano Works of Chen Yi. Supported by a prestigious Presser Graduate Music Award, Li designed and produced a multimedia performance that combined piano, visual and lighting effects, interview segments, interactive elements, and even a self-duet using advanced playback technology.

Inspired by her multicultural background and the music of Chinese-American composer Chen Yi, Li's recital explored Eastern and Western musical traditions while creating an immersive experience for audiences. Drawing nearly 150 attendees to Newman Recital Hall, the project showcased her artistry as a performer and her vision as a curator, producer, and creative leader. Learn more about Li's recital and how she plans to continue developing the project in the latest story: https://news.miami.edu/frost/

The Live Entertainment Management program recently visited Walt Disney Imagineering for a BTS look at one of the world’s leading entertainment organizations. This experience was made possible by Frost School alumna Katrina Mena, B.A. ‘08, who connected students with fellow University of Miami alumni working at Disney for a panel discussion, followed by a VIP backstage experience at “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!”

Our students explored the career paths that power live entertainment and gained insight into the industry, where every show requires a team of skilled professionals. Experiences like these are what set the program apart, connecting students directly with leaders, successful alumni, and real-world opportunities.

Congratulations to former Dean Shelly Berg, who was recognized in Miami Today "Best of Miami" for his contributions to our community. Over nearly two decades, Berg helped transform the Frost School into a globally recognized institution for music education, creating opportunities for students to learn, perform, and grow alongside world-class artists.

Thank you to for recognizing a leader whose lasting legacy have helped shape generations of musicians, artists, and industry leaders:

The Frost School of Music welcomed music educators, industry leaders, artists, and students for the Association for Popular Music Education Conference. Drawing 222 attendees from different institutions, including public and private schools, from England, Canada, Europe, and across the U.S., the conference served as a hub for collaboration and the future of popular music education. Representatives from Sony Music Entertainment, Splice, Song Hub, Music First, and the GRAMMY Museum also joined the conversation.

"It’s like a homecoming," said Frost School Associate Professor and President Raina Murnak. "The Frost School has always had an integrated perspective on what it means to be a well-prepared music professional." Through sessions on songwriting, AI, Latin music, media scoring, entrepreneurship, and more, attendees explored new ideas and approaches shaping today's music landscape. Read the full story about this year's in : https://bit.ly/4fHQyio

Led by Associate Professor Kevin Kenner, the Frost Chopin Academy and Festival returns on June 14, bringing together young pianists for study, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

Presented in partnership with the Chopin Foundation of the U.S., the 7th edition of the festival brings artists, educators, discussions, and performances that explore the tradition and continued influence of Chopin’s music.

Read more about the week-long event, its mission, and the artists bringing the composer’s music to life in our : https://bit.ly/4ommpav

Congratulations to Joshua Henry, B.M. ‘06, on winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for .

A graduate of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a degree in Vocal Performance, Henry has built an extraordinary career as one of ’s most acclaimed performers.

His talent and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of musicians and storytellers, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor!



📸 Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy/DKC/O&M

Members of the Frost Chorale, alongside Frost School alumni, recently premiered “Letters Home” at Carnegie Hall, a new work by Music Theory and Composition Associate Professor and composer Shawn Crouch, and conducted by Director of Choral Studies, Matthew Brady.

Drawing from the real words of soldiers, nurses, chaplains, and service members from World War I through Iraq and Afghanistan, this performance honored the sacrifices, resilience, and humanity of those impacted by military service.

For many involved, this carried a personal meaning, transforming stories of loss, courage, and remembrance into a musical experience. We congratulate our community for bringing this important work to life. Read all about it in our !