Contemporary Music students join their London counterparts in cultural exchange

USC Thornton Studio/Jazz Guitar professor Richard Smith has traveled to London, England, with a group of Contemporary Music students for a biennial exchange of music and culture with students at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. Over a 10 day program, students from USC and the ICMP attend masterclasses and tutorials with pop music luminaries and join together in ensembles for a variety of public performances.

Smith spoke about the uniquely collaborative relationship between American and British musical cultures, noting that “London is considered the progressive music capitol of the World, and from an aesthetic perspective, our students should be there.”

Students in the program will also have an opportunity to participate in studio recording sessions, attend a Songwriters’ Circle and perform live gigs at several iconic north London pubs.