Advising for Music Students
We’re Here to Support Your Journey
At the Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, we believe that academic advising is an essential part of your success as a student and musician. Whether you’re planning your courses, tracking your degree progress, or exploring professional pathways, our faculty and staff are here to help.
Below you’ll find key contacts for advising based on your program. Every major has a four-year curriculum guide to assist you in planning your path towards a four-year graduation. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re committed to helping you navigate your academic journey with clarity and confidence.
Meet Your Advisors
Graduate Music Advising
Joel Galand, Ph.D.
galandj@fiu.edu
305-348-7078
Office Location: WPAC 146C
Dr. Galand oversees the structure and administration of graduate programs in music. However, please note that graduate advising is conducted primarily within your specific area of study. Your major professor or area coordinator will guide you through course selection, recital preparation, and graduate milestones (e.g., comprehensive exams, thesis/project requirements). Dr. Galand remains available for programmatic questions and overall guidance. Meet with you faculty area coordinator for specific course advising questions.
Undergraduate Music Advising
Gerry Suarez
gsuarez@fiu.edu
305-348-7500
Office Location: WPAC 277A
Gerry Suarez serves as advisor for undergraduate students in the School of Music and can assist with general advising for all of the undergraduate programs. You can schedule an appointment with him by logging into MyFIU and using the Panther Success Network.
Faculty Member Area Coordinator
Composition
Orlando Jacinto Garcia, D.M.A.
garciao@fiu.edu
305-535-2617
Office Location: Mana Wynwood – FIU
Choral Conducting (Graduate Degree)
Erynn Millard, Ph.D.
erynn.millard@fiu.edu
305-348-3359
Office Location: WPAC 144A
Instrumental Conducting (Graduate Degree)
Brenton F. Alston, D.M.A.
bralston@fiu.edu
305-348-2497
Office Location: WPAC 143B
Orchestral Conducting (Graduate Degree)
Javier Jose Mendoza, D.M.A.
javier.mendoza@fiu.edu
305-348-3587
Office Location: WPAC 143B
Jazz Performance
Jamie Ousley, D.M.A.
lousley@fiu.edu
305-348-1605
Office Location:144c
Music Business
Charles Dye
chdye@fiu.edu
305-348-2896
Office Location: 141
Music Education
Dr. Patrick Cooper
pcooper@fiu.edu
305-348-2896
Office Location: 145C
Music Technology
Jacob Sudol, Ph.D.
jacob.sudol@gmail.com
305-348-0109
Office Location: WPAC 169
Piano and Organ Performance
José López, Ph.D.
lopezjr@fiu.edu
305-348-3697
Office Location: WPAC 143B
Instrumental Performance, Strings Studio
Avi Nagin
avi.nagin@fiu.edu
Office Location: 152B
Instrumental Performance, Guitar Studio
Mesut Ozgen, D.M.A.
mozgen@fiu.edu
305-348-7646
Office Location: 156A
Winds, Brass, & Percussion Performance/Marching Band
Dr. Colin Williams
colwilli@fiu.edu
305-348-2896
Office Location: WPAC 144B
Vocal Performance
Vindhya Khare, D.M.A.
vindhya.khare@fiu.edu
305-348-4915
Office Location: 146A
Musical Theatre
Vincent Connor
kyle.connor@fiu.edu
305-348-2985
Office Location: 144B
Need Help Beyond Advising?
In addition to academic advising, our faculty and staff are here to assist with:
- Ensemble placement and performance opportunities
- Recital scheduling and juries
- Degree audits and graduation applications
- Student resources and support services
Tutoring and Student Support Services
Tough classes, new stresses and lots of uncertainty. College life brings lots of great experiences, but it also presents lots of new challenges. We’ve all been there and we know everyone needs a helping hand. Explore support services and get to know how FIU can help. Here are a couple of quick links to get you started.
New Academic Resources for Music Students
We’re excited to announce new resources designed to enhance your learning and academic experience: Music Theory Lab – Hands-on theory assistance, peer collaboration, and faculty-led support.
The lab is open to all students seeking to deepen their academic understanding or get extra support. Hours and details will be posted on-site and on The Wertheim Hub.
The Wertheim Hub: Your Info Central
Located next to the School of Music Office, The Wertheim Hub is your go-to bulletin board for all student updates.
Find the latest on:
- Lockers
- Recital attendance policies
- Faculty directories
- Practice room procedures
- Upcoming deadlines & opportunities
Stop by often to stay informed!
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure where to start, need help with a university process, or just want to talk through your schedule, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your success matters to us, and we are here to help you thrive—academically, musically, and personally.
Welcome to Wertheim—where musicians grow, lead, and create.