Collection ASU0146 - Lucas Drew Collection of School of Music publications

The University of Miami opened in the fall of 1926 with two academic units: the Conservatory of Music (later called the School of Music), and the College of Arts and Sciences. The School was founded by Bertha M. Foster, who became the University’s first music dean. It was renamed the Frost School of Music in 2003 in honor of a landmark naming gift by Dr. Phillip and Patricia Frost, ardent supporters of the arts in Miami.

The School has survived many decades of change and growth to become a national music leader in higher education. It offers degrees in instrumental performance, vocal performance, music engineering, music education, music composition, and musical theatre. It also offers Studio Music and Jazz degrees for instrumentalists and vocalists. Its Studio Music and Jazz program is consistently known as among the best in the nation. It was also the first music school in the nation to offer the innovative degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries, as well as boasting a hands-on music therapy program.

Dr. Lucas Drew was a faculty member of the University of Miami Frost School of Music from 1959 to 2000. In June 2000 he became Professor Emeritus as well as Principal Double Bass Emeritus of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Drew was editor-in-chief of the International Society of Bassists (1974-82) and was the first double bassist to be elected President of the American String Teachers Association (1982-84). Over the years Dr. Drew has helped secure donations and initiate and guide several collections now housed in the Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library.