All minors require an application for admission. Please refer to the descriptions of each individual minor for specific admissions requirements, as well as courses that may be taken prior to admission as a gateway to the minor.
It is important to apply as early as possible to the minor that you want to complete, as admission to the minor allows access to required course offerings. If you are not admitted to the minor of your choice, staff members will help you explore different options for pursuing your musical interests at USC Thornton.
Deadlines
- For Admission to the 2024 Spring Semester: October 1, 2023
- For Admission to the 2024 Fall Semester: March 1, 2024
How to Apply:
In addition to any entrance requirements listed in the following program descriptions, applicants must complete the Online Application for a Minor in Music.
Minor in Jazz Studies
The Jazz Studies minor is for students who already play jazz and want to continue to expand their musical experience. Through jazz improvisation, theory, and history classes, as well as private lessons and ensembles, students will gain the tools necessary to perform at a high level. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, a performance audition is required. Applicants are asked to play all major scales in eighth notes at a tempo of mm120=quarter note. Applicants may also be evaluated on reading music and transcribing simple solos. For details about this minor, please contact professor David Arnay at arnay@usc.edu. This minor is not available to B.M. Jazz Studies majors.
Minor in Music Industry
The Music Industry minor gives you an opportunity to explore careers in fields such as the record business, music publishing, artist management, radio, concerts, music for film, TV, video games, and the Internet. For performers, it provides the practical knowledge needed to protect your rights, maximize your opportunities, and understand the dollars and cents of the music business. Refer to the Music Industry department for more information. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, admission consideration is generally based on class standing and GPA at the time of application. Students must have sophomore standing (32+ units earned) and a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible to apply. The minor is not available to Music Industry majors.
Minor in Music Production
A successful career in the 21st century music industry often requires that musicians be the songwriter, performer, producer and/or audio engineer on any given project. The minor in Music Production allows students to develop the creative, collaborative and technical skills required to compose, arrange and produce for contemporary music projects. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, admission consideration is based in part on work completed in both MUSC 255: Songwriting I and MUCO 130ax: Basics of Music Theory. Students must have completed and/or be enrolled in both courses to apply. Students admitted to this minor will be expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 with no grade lower than a “C” for all courses taken in the minor. Contact the Music Technology department for additional information.
Minor in Music Recording
The Music Recording minor provides the basic tools for high quality audio recording needed in today’s music industry. Areas of study include digital equipment and recording, acoustics and speaker design, computer assisted recording and editing, remote recording techniques, advanced multichannel remix, audio mastering, and audio signal processing equipment. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, acceptance into the program requires successful completion of MTEC 277x: Introduction to Music Technology to assure that the student has sufficient musical background and skill. Generally, students who earn a B or better in this course and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher are admitted. For additional details, contact the Music Technology department.
Minor in Musical Studies
The Musical Studies minor is for students who already have a background in music performance and want to continue to develop their skills. Musical Studies minors have the opportunity to study their instrument in private lessons and participate in ensembles, as well as study music theory and music history. Through the electives, students may explore their own unique musical interests. Students may apply on virtually any instrument, including voice. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, a performance audition is required of applicants to this program.
Classical Piano: Three contrasting pieces including at least two different style periods are required for the audition. All three pieces must be memorized. For details, please contact the Keyboard Studies department. Applicants will receive more information regarding their audition date and time after the October 1st Spring application deadline or the March 1st Fall application deadline.
Classical Strings:
- Violin, Viola, and Cello Audition Repertoire
- Two contrasting selections:
- a movement from a standard concerto
- a movement of a Bach solo Suite/Partita/Sonata
- Two contrasting selections:
- Double Bass Audition Repertoire
- Solo selection of choice: (e.g. concerto or sonata movement, solo Bach)
- Two representative orchestra excerpts
- Prepare one scale in 3 octaves with major and minor 3 octave arpeggios
For more information about auditions, contact the Strings department.
Classical Voice: Two selections from the standard repertoire of their primary instrument or voice should be prepared for the audition. Applicants will receive more information regarding their audition date and time after the October 1st Spring application deadline or the March 1st Fall application deadline. For further information, contact the department of Vocal Arts. For audition details, contact the Vocal Arts department.
All other instruments: Two selections from the standard repertoire of their primary instrument should be prepared for the audition. To schedule an audition or for further information, contact the appropriate music department. The minor is not available to music majors.
Minor in Musical Theatre
Fine acting, good singing, beautiful dancing: it takes years to master the craft for any of those disciplines. The Musical Theatre minor is designed to broaden the skills of anyone on such a track by offering classes in theatre, music, and movement. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, a performance audition is required of applicants to this program. Two selections from the standard musical theatre repertoire should be prepared for the audition. One selection should be a ballad and the other a more up-tempo piece. Applicants will receive more information regarding their audition date and time after the October 1st Spring application deadline or the March 1st Fall application deadline. For further information, contact the department of Vocal Arts. The minor is open to all majors
To schedule an audition or for further information, contact the department of Vocal Arts. The minor is open to all majors.
Minor in Popular Music Studies
Explore the roots of the music that you know and love and expand your musical horizons. The Popular Music Studies minor is for students whose passion is popular music and who want to delve into the cultural and historical contexts behind the music. Previous musical experience is not required. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, students must be in good academic standing to be admitted to this minor. No previous musical experience is required. For more information, please contact the Popular Music department.
Minor in Songwriting
Songwriting is a craft that you can learn and develop even if you haven’t spent years studying music. This minor offers practical hands-on instruction in the techniques of writing and performing your own original works, the technology to produce your songs, and critical studies in relevant repertoires. You will have opportunities to interact with established songwriters and to have your work showcased in public performances. For minor course requirements, please click here.
In addition to the Application for a Minor in Music, admission to this minor requires enrollment in MUSC-255 (Songwriting I) and an evaluation by the songwriting faculty. For more information, contact the department of Popular Music.
Are you looking to study music or play an instrument without the commitment of a minor degree? View USC Thornton’s General Education and Elective offerings to explore additional opportunities, from world music to private lessons and beyond.