University of Miami Frost School of Music

The University of Miami Frost School of Music is a private music school founded in 1926 and located in Coral Gables, Florida. It offers Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees across performance, jazz, composition, music business, music engineering technology, media scoring and production, music therapy, and music education. The school is known for its Frost Method curriculum, which emphasizes collaborative, cross-genre music making from the first year. Notable alumni include Bruce Hornsby, Jon Secada, and Patti Scialfa.

Programs and Degrees

The Frost School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines:

Bachelor of Music (BM):

• Instrumental Performance (classical, contemporary, or jazz)
• Keyboard Performance
• Vocal Performance
• Studio Music and Jazz (instrumental or vocal)
• Music Education
• Music Therapy
• Composition
• Media Scoring and Production
• Music Industry
• Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship

Bachelor of Science (BS):

• Music Engineering Technology
• Audio Technology

Bachelor of Arts (BA):

• Music
• Music Industry (the only degree that does not require prescreening or audition)

Graduate programs include Master of Music degrees in performance, jazz, composition, music education, music therapy, and media scoring, plus a Doctor of Musical Arts.

The Frost Method is the school's signature curriculum approach. Students are placed in small ensembles that perform across genres from their first semester, combining theory, performance, and collaboration in a hands-on format. The school also operates the Henry Mancini Institute, which provides cross-genre performance opportunities, and the Stamps Ensembles, specialized group programs for top auditioned students.

Admissions and Tuition

Admission is for the fall term only. Key deadlines for fall 2026 entry:

• Early Action: November 1 (applicants must audition on campus in December if approved)
• Regular Decision: December 1 (applicants audition in February if approved)
• Transfer priority deadline: December 1

All applicants except BA in Music Industry must submit prescreening videos. If approved, applicants audition on their instrument or voice. Portfolios are required for Composition, Media Scoring and Production, and Music Engineering Technology applicants, in addition to prescreening.

Starting with the 2025 to 2026 admission cycle, the University of Miami requires SAT or ACT scores for general university admission. However, the Frost School of Music remains test-optional for applicants who select a major that requires an audition.

For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, undergraduate tuition is $66,312. Total direct costs (tuition, housing, and meals) for on-campus students come to $94,700. The full cost of attendance including books, personal expenses, and transportation is approximately $98,872 per year.

For 2025 to 2026, tuition was $63,456 per year (flat rate for 12 to 20 credits at $31,728 per semester).

The Frost School offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. Students should complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile for full financial aid consideration.

History and Significance

The Conservatory of Music was founded in October 1926 by Bertha M. Foster, who became the university's first music dean. It was one of the University of Miami's three inaugural academic units when the university opened that fall.

The school grew steadily through the 20th century, establishing programs in performance, composition, jazz, and music education. In 2003, the school was renamed the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music following a major gift from the Frost family. The school has since expanded into contemporary music, music business, and music engineering technology.

The Knight Center for Music Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility, opened recently and houses cutting-edge technology for performance, recording, and research. The school also operates Festival Miami (now integrated with year-round Frost Music Live events) and the Winter Wonderful festival.

Notable Alumni

Frost School alumni have achieved major success across multiple genres:

• Bruce Hornsby: Singer-songwriter and pianist, Grammy winner known for "The Way It Is" (graduated 1977)
• Jon Secada: Grammy-winning Latin pop singer and songwriter
• Patti Scialfa: Singer-songwriter, member of the E Street Band, married to Bruce Springsteen
• Gloria Estefan: (attended) Queen of Latin Pop, multiple Grammy winner
• Emilio Estefan: (attended) Producer and entrepreneur, 19-time Grammy winner
• Carmen Lundy: Jazz singer and composer
• Will Lee: Bassist, session musician, and Late Show with David Letterman band member
• Lari White: Country music singer and Grammy winner
• Raquel Sofia: Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
• Joel McNeely: Film composer and conductor

Frost students have performed with Gloria Estefan, Ben Folds, Jon Secada, Bruce Hornsby, Joshua Bell, Edgar Meyer, and Arturo Sandoval, among others.

Real-World Example

A student accepted into the BM in Media Scoring and Production for fall 2026 pays $66,312 in tuition for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. With on-campus housing and meals at $28,388, books at $1,040, personal expenses at $2,294, and transportation at $800, the total cost of attendance comes to $98,872 per year. Over four years, the student faces $395,488 in total costs. If the student receives a Frost merit scholarship covering 40 percent of tuition ($26,525 per year), net tuition drops to $39,787 per year, and the four-year total comes to approximately $289,388. The student trains in the Knight Center for Music Innovation, builds a portfolio of scored media projects, and joins alumni who have worked on films, television shows, and recordings that have collectively won dozens of Grammys and other industry awards.

Who Should Apply

The Frost School is the right choice for musicians who want a collaborative, cross-genre education in a contemporary music environment. The Frost Method's emphasis on performing across styles from day one suits students who are open-minded about genre and want to build versatile careers.

Students interested in music business, media scoring, or music engineering technology should give Frost strong consideration, as these programs are rare at top-tier music schools. The Miami location also provides access to the Latin music industry and a vibrant arts scene.

Cost is a significant factor. At $66,312 per year in tuition alone, Frost is one of the most expensive music schools in the US. Students should apply for merit scholarships early and complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile to maximize financial aid. The BA in Music Industry is the only program that does not require an audition, making it accessible to students with music industry interests but not performance backgrounds.

Visit the official Frost School of Music website for audition requirements and program details.

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• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026 - Career planning for music graduates