Progris introduced the Frost School’s M.M. Program in Media Writing and Production while teaching a host of courses ranging from traditional music theory, to jazz/rock/pop arranging and improvisation, copyright law, and marketing of recorded music. He began directing UM’s music business program in 1993, renaming it the Music Business and Entertainment Industries Program. He also developed the curriculum for the Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Industries degree at the Frost School of Music.
The Manchester, New Hampshire native started playing jazz piano at age 12 and was already writing octet and big band arrangements by age 14. At founder Larry Berk’s invitation, Progris began teaching at Boston’s Berklee School of Music in 1958, eventually serving as associate dean from 1964 to 1968. He was attracted south by the lure of the Miami Beach nightlife, and soon landed a position in the Frost School of Music’s Music Theory Department. He left briefly to start a music business program at Georgia State University but returned in 1976.
Throughout his long and accomplished career, he has written more than 80 books and 50 publications, and has held numerous roles ranging from educator to conference organizer, consultant, speaker, pianist, conductor, arranger, script writer, and much more.
