Professor Emeritus James A. Progris, a beloved former faculty member and influential leader of music industry programs at the Frost School of Music, passed away on August 3, 2024, in Miami. He was 91.
Progris joined the Frost School’s Music Theory and Composition department in 1969 and (except for a stint at Georgia State University from 1974 to 1976) remained here until retiring in 2011. In 1980, Progris launched the master’s degree in what is now the Media Scoring and Production Program, the first of its kind in the country, which he directed. In 1992, he became the director of the Music Business and Entertainment Industries program and chair of the Department of Music Media and Industry.
A jazz pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor, Progris was an influential figure in jazz and music industry education who wrote over 80 books. The many grateful and successful students whom he mentored at the Frost School include Reynaldo Sanchez, the Frost School’s Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, who has spearheaded several groundbreaking programs here. Sanchez, who co-organized a celebration of life for Progris, paid tribute to his teacher of the late '70's and early 80's.
“The impact that Jim Progris had on his students, the Frost School, and music industry education nationwide is immeasurable,” said Sanchez. “Like the vast majority of his students, I owe my career to Jim Progris. He was my teacher, mentor, colleague, and most importantly, friend.”
A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, Progris was a child prodigy who began playing jazz piano at age 12. By age 14, he worked professionally, playing with his brother’s big band and backing vaudeville acts. He attended the Berklee College of Music in 1956, joined their faculty in 1958 – when he also married his wife of 51 years, Juanita Progris - and served as Associate Dean from 1964 to 1968, overseeing their jazz curriculum. Progris was initially lured to Miami by its nightlife and led a trio at the Miami Playboy Club in the 1970’s.
Current Music Industry Program (MIND) director Serona Elton studied under Progris from 1993 to 1995 while getting her master’s in what has become a highly successful program.
“Jim Progris was a larger-than-life character who rightly placed significant emphasis on teaching students how things are done in the “real world” outside of academia,” said Elton. “His students will always remember stories he would share of his professional experiences and left the program with a clear understanding of what it takes to have a successful career. He will forever be a key figure in the evolution and success of our Music Industry program.”
