Shelton “Shelly” Berg came to UM in June 2007 after serving as a professor and department chair at the University of Southern California for 16 years. Berg was born and raised in Cleveland before moving to Houston in his teens, where he went on to graduate from the University of Houston with degrees in piano performance, conducting and composition. Berg has performed with dozens of renowned artists from a variety of musical disciplines.
“I believe in a breadth of experience, and have been blessed to perform and record with Pharrell, Gloria Estefan, KISS, Renée Fleming, Stevie Wonder, and many more.”
Berg has been acclaimed for his work as both an arranger and performer; he has earned five Grammy nominations for his vocal arrangements for artists including Gloria Estefan and jazz singer Clint Holmes. His own albums have garnered widespread acclaim, specifically 1997’s The Will: A Tribute to Oscar Peterson and 2017’s The Deep, with bassist David Finck.
Berg has contributed orchestration for a variety of mediums from Fox’s “Men of Honor” to Warner Brothers’ “Almost Heroes.” He says he is grateful for his enduring career and ability to spread the joy of music.
With four grown children and three grandchildren, Berg says he is happy living in Miami with his wife while leading the music school’s diverse community of faculty and students to new heights. He advises new students to explore different areas of study and immerse themselves in the community around them.
“Allow breadth to come into your studies and relationships, and come to concerts at the Frost school!”
