Dr. Karen Veloz, FIU Wertheim School of Music Director and Associate Teaching Professor, recently brought her expertise to the University of Panama in the newly built Ciudad de las Artes arts center, where she presented her research on music business, arts administration, and the intersection of music production, marketing, and public relations at the University of Panama.

Dr. Veloz met with university leaders and faculty to lay the foundation for an exciting new partnership between our institutions, aimed at supporting the development of an online Music Management & Production Master’s Degree Program—expanding opportunities for faculty and students to thrive in the ever-evolving music industry.

A driving force in music business and arts administration, Dr. Veloz produces the annual FIU Music Festival and authored Orchestrating the Music Business: A Look into the Nonprofit Music Industry (TopHat Publishing). She’s now working on Digital Music & The Performance Stage, exploring the future of live music production in the digital age. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of arts leadership was also evident in her role curating FIU’s first-ever Arts & Policy Conference, which convened national leaders in Washington, D.C., to discuss the intersections of arts, medicine, and cultural funding.

Through her leadership, FIU continues to build international bridges in music education, innovation, and industry partnerships—bringing new ideas and opportunities to the global stage.

Last week, talented young musicians from 15 high schools across Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties came together for inspiring sectionals with FIU faculty, campus tours, and full ensemble rehearsals alongside the FIU Wind Ensemble. We are so proud of these emerging artists who took to the stage for a performance that celebrated dedication, community, and musical excellence. A special thank you to our FIU alumni educators for returning with their own students to inspire the next generation.