Frost Jazz Vocal Talent Shines Bright: Two Generations Earn Top Honors
The Frost School of Music celebrates a remarkable achievement in Frost Jazz Vocal excellence. Two generations of its jazz singers have received major awards. Carmen Lundy is a 2026 NEA Jazz Masters Fellow. Kate Kortum won the 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. These honors highlight the school’s enduring jazz program and the significant impact of its Frost Jazz Vocal offerings. They also showcase the incredible talent nurtured in Miami’s vibrant music scene.
Carmen Lundy: A NEA Jazz Masters Fellow and Frost Jazz Vocal Icon
Carmen Lundy is a true icon. She is a 2026 NEA Jazz Masters Fellow, America’s highest honor for jazz artists. This recognizes living legends, and Lundy, a distinguished alumna of the Frost School of Music, has long been celebrated for her profound contributions to Frost Jazz Vocal artistry. Lundy is a vocalist and composer whose career spans over five decades. She has written more than 150 published songs and is also an educator and visual artist. The National Endowment for the Arts announced the award in November 2025, celebrating exceptional contributions to jazz music. Lundy, a Miami native, was a 1980 graduate of the Frost School. While she initially studied opera, she discovered her passion for jazz, earning a degree in studio music and jazz. Lundy has received numerous accolades, is a multi-GRAMMY-winning artist, and in 2023, received an inaugural Frost Centennial Medal recognizing her significant impact on music. Lundy’s artistry bridges tradition and innovation. Her songs often explore sociopolitical themes, and she has collaborated with many jazz greats, including Patrice Rushen and Roy Hargrove. Her mastery of Frost Jazz Vocal techniques is undeniable.
Kate Kortum: A Rising Star Honored at the Sarah Vaughan Competition
Kate Kortum represents a new generation of exceptional Frost Jazz Vocal talent. A 2023 graduate of the Frost School of Music, Kortum recently won the 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. This prestigious contest, often called “The SASSY Awards,” seeks the world’s next great jazz singer. Kortum impressed judges with her performances, singing “Easy Come, Easy Go Blues” and other selections that demonstrated her remarkable Frost Jazz Vocal abilities. As winner, Kortum received a $5,000 cash prize and a significant platform for her career. Kortum’s sound is warm and distinctive, blending bebop, blues, and Broadway styles. Her debut album, “Good Woman,” achieved acclaim and garnered over 3.5 million streams, reimagining jazz standards from a female perspective. Her sophomore release, “Wild Woman,” followed in 2025. Kortum also studied at the Juilliard School and previously won Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards. She was also a YoungArts Finalist, further cementing her status as a prominent jazz vocalist.
The Frost School’s Pioneering Jazz Education and Frost Jazz Vocal Program
The Frost School of Music boasts a strong history and offers a pioneering jazz vocal program. This program was one of the first of its kind, providing a crucial foundation for aspiring artists. Many successful musicians credit their education there, with Carmen Lundy herself stating the school gave her invaluable lessons. Kate Kortum felt the Frost Jazz Vocal program empowered her, noting that fundamentals learned there allow her current work. The Frost School fosters a community where students collaborate and push each other, a key environment for development. The school’s jazz department features distinguished faculty and a vibrant alumni network, including luminaries like Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Esperanza Spalding, and Emmet Cohen. The school prepares students for real-world careers by emphasizing artistic, technological, and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring graduates succeed in the competitive jazz education landscape.
A Legacy of Frost Jazz Vocal Excellence Across Generations
Lundy and Kortum represent different eras, with Lundy graduating in 1980 and Kortum in 2023 – a span of 43 years. Yet, both found success through the Frost School of Music’s jazz program, showcasing the program’s consistent quality and the lasting impact of its jazz education and its focus on Frost Jazz Vocal development. Their success also elevates the school’s profile and demonstrates the vibrancy of Miami’s music scene. The Frost School continues to attract talent and remains a hub for jazz music innovation. This news brings significant positive attention to the university’s music department and its exceptional Frost Jazz Vocal offerings.
Looking Ahead for Frost Jazz Vocal Stars
These recent awards mark significant milestones. Carmen Lundy receives the nation’s highest jazz honor, and Kate Kortum wins a top competition for young jazz vocalists. Both artists have deep roots in the Frost School of Music, and their journeys underscore the school’s vital role in nurturing talent across decades. The Frost School’s jazz program, particularly its commitment to Frost Jazz Vocal excellence, continues to shape the future of music. These achievements are a testament to its legacy and promise continued excellence in jazz music. The news is a major win for these artists, the Frost School of Music, and Miami’s music community, highlighting the enduring power of dedicated jazz education and outstanding Frost Jazz Vocal training.
