Cision PR Newswire

The Former University of Miami Hurricanes Defensive Lineman and University Alumnus' Visit is Part of The Jaelan Phillips Foundation's Support of a New Program for Aspiring Student Music Producers and Engineers

CORAL GABLES, Fla., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Dolphins star linebacker Jaelan Phillips, a former University of Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman and University of Miami alumnus, and a music producer at heart, today surprised students at the Frost School of Music when he walked into their recording session and then personally mentored them in music production and engineering. As part of The Jaelan Phillips Foundation's new partnership with the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program, Phillips is helping high school students record and produce music - just as he once did while pursuing his own passion for music at the Frost School.

Jaelan Phillips said, "This is what it's all about - seeing these MusicReach students light up as they grow more confident in their skills as musicians and artists. The talent in this studio is undeniable, and if these students continue to push themselves, be determined, and stay inspired, the possibilities for them are truly limitless. I'm honored for The Jaelan Phillips Foundation to play a role in showing each of these talented individuals that success is within reach - and it can be set to the soundtrack of their dreams!"

Earlier this year, The Jaelan Phillips Foundation awarded a scholarship for a Frost School music engineering student to mentor two local high school students in audio engineering, beat-making, and production. In doing so, the Foundation and Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program are opening up new opportunities to aspiring music students, who are gaining invaluable guidance and experience as part of their involvement in the Frost School-created and led community outreach music program.

Phillips added, "Football and music have always been my two biggest passions. People know me as a football player, but what many don't realize is that music is just as big a part of my life. Being able to return to my alma mater, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where I learned so much and now be able to mentor students who share that same passion for music is a full-circle moment for me. I want to help the next generation of musicians chase their dreams just like I did."

The Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program helps enrich the lives of underserved youth in the Miami-Dade community through unique and innovative music education programming. Based at the Frost School of Music, MusicReach also serves to provide opportunities for Frost School students to further develop their teaching and community engagement skills with real-life, hands-on mentorship and experiences. The program works with more than 16 community partners to serve hundreds of students, from elementary to high school, through programs that include beginning instrument lessons, music technology, vocal instruction, and music therapy.

Thanks to the support of The Jaelan Phillips Foundation, the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program is now able to provide weekly lessons in music and audio engineering for high school students at the Frost School of Music's cutting-edge recording and music studios. This expansion is opening doors for students interested in the business of music, equipping them with real-world skills that can lead to careers in production, engineering, and beyond.

The Jaelan Phillips Foundation scholarship, earmarked for music engineering and production, supports the expansion of The Donna E. Shalala MusicReach's contemporary music program, which launched last summer. By adding songwriting and popular music production to its curriculum, the program is giving high school students access to cutting-edge training and mentorship from students and alumni of the Frost School of Music, one of the top music schools in the world.

Joseph Burleson, Director of Outreach, The Donna E. Shalala Music Reach Program at the Frost School of Music said, "Music has the power to transform lives. Jaelan Phillips is a perfect example of how a passion for music can fuel and sustain you - no matter where life takes you. That's why we're grateful for The Jaelan Phillips Foundation's support of MusicReach's new music audio and engineering mentorship program. Our students were beyond thrilled to receive one-on-one mentorship from someone who has excelled on the football field, in the classroom, and in the music studio."

Since 2008, more than 10,000 elementary, middle, and high school students have participated in The Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program, helping them develop critical life skills like motivation, confidence, leadership, and creativity. Graduates of the program have gone on to receive scholarships and attend prestigious universities across the U.S., including the Frost School of Music.

About The Jaelan Phillips Foundation:
Founded by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips, The Jaelan Phillips Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education, mentorship, and opportunity. A proud University of Miami alumnus, Phillips is passionate about giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey. More information is available at www.jaelanphillipsfoundation.org.

About the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami
Established in 1926, the highly acclaimed Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is one of the top music schools in the world. In addition to being recently recognized as a top music business school by Billboard magazine, the Frost School is listed as a top music school by Downbeat Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, InTune Magazine, Musical America Worldwide, Niche, College Factual, and U.S. News and World Report, among others. Students choose to attend the school for its innovative and dynamic curriculum; real-world opportunities in the US and abroad; award-winning, highly regarded faculty; access to local Latin music record labels, festivals, and artists; and its state-of-the-art campus in Miami, one of the top music cities in the world.

Students who attend the Frost School benefit from its "THIS AND" approach to education thanks to its priority on combining traditional concentrations with cutting-edge programs that equip students with the artistic, technological, promotional, and entrepreneurial skills needed for success in today's world. Referred to as the Frost Method^®, this unique approach enables students to become well-rounded musicians and industry professionals. Around the world, Frost School alumni are known as being "Frost Built," a term that's become synonymous with the music artist, educator, researcher, or industry professional of the future who is ready to realize their professional passions, establish themselves as a leader, and make real contributions to society - thanks to their multidisciplinary education.

More information on the Frost School is available at frost.miami.edu.

Contact:
Emily Bruno
FrostSchoolofMusic@hm-com.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miami-dolphins-star-jaelan-phillips-surprises-donna-e-shalala-musicreach-program-participants-at-the-frost-school-of-music-at-the-university-of-miami-and-mentors-students-in-the-recording-studio-302427802.html

SOURCE Frost School of Music at the University of Miami