The Frost Online program took an important step in its growth this spring, as the first cohort of students took home master’s degrees from major programs recently added to the remote study program. Four students earned Master of Music degrees in media scoring and production, while three earned a Master of Arts in popular music pedagogy.
The new online degree offerings allow students to study remotely in two of the Frost School of Music’s most innovative programs, gaining skills and knowledge that can lead directly to rewarding careers.
The degree in media scoring and production offers students the technical and practical skills to be composers, arrangers, mixers or producers in television, film, and video games, and is led by professor and Emmy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera. The Popular Music Pedagogy program educates students in the growing arena of teaching popular music with the same depth and quality used to teach jazz and classical music, and is led by associate professor Raina Murnak, a leader in the field and president of the Association for Popular Music Education.
"Seeing students graduate is one of the most rewarding parts of being in this role,” said Andrea Jimenez, the director of Online programs. “But watching the very first online students graduate from these two programs is especially exciting. I am so proud of every single one of them! They've left their mark on Frost Online, and just like all of our graduates, they've made our #FrostBuilt alumni community stronger.”
The four new media scoring and production graduates are Diamonique J. Vidro, Nicole Mack, Samuel B. Martin and Gianni S. Palanzo. The popular music pedagogy graduates are Jorge F. Cabrera, Larry R. Cauley and Vincent K. Moody.
Vidro, who earned an M.A. in music industry through Frost Online in 2023, found the program so rewarding that she returned to get another degree in media scoring and production.
“After earning my M.A. in music industry, I wanted to further develop the production side of my career,” Vidro said. “Pursuing a master’s in media scoring and production gave me the opportunity to expand my creative abilities and become a more well-rounded music professional.”
“The Frost Online Media Scoring and Production program allowed me to balance my career with growing as a music producer and recording engineer. The flexibility of the program and the support from the faculty helped me strengthen both my technical and creative skills.”
Frost Online continues to grow. Starting this fall, it will offer a Graduate Certificate in Digital Audio and Music Technology, the program’s first partnership with the Frost School’s top-ranked Music Engineering Technology program, directed by department chair Christopher Bennett. The specialized certificate, which can be earned in just six months to a year, provides advanced training in music technology, digital audio and technical listening, helping students build industry-relevant skills for careers in music, media, gaming, streaming and audio technology.
“What makes this moment even better is that there is another first coming for us soon,” said Jimenez. “I can’t wait to welcome future students!"
