University of Southern California

USC Thornton School of Music

Discover USC Open House October 17.

Wind ensemble performs at USC

USC Thornton Signature Series

Explore the season’s events curated by USC Thornton leadership and Dean Jason King.

Stevie Wonder performing at the keyboard, with a rose graphic background.

Stevie Wonder: Beyond Category

The 2026–27 Stevie Wonder: Beyond Category series launches with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Wonder’s landmark 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.

solange seated on a stool, wearing all black against a light grey studio background.

Solange: Scholar-in-Residence

Solange is named USC Thornton’s first Scholar-in-Residence, joining the Dean’s Creative Vanguard program.

View of the Angel of Independence with vibrant marigolds and cityscape in Mexico City.

Maymester 2027: CDMX

Plan your spring semester now! Take a Maymester course in London, Stockholm, or our newest offering in Mexico City. Applications open this September.

Explore our programs.

Our three exceptional divisions offer cross-genre experiences, exposing students to diverse styles and techniques that will prepare them for a well-rounded career at the highest level.

Classical Performance & Composition
Contemporary Music
Research & Scholarly Studies

Two choristers talk on a brick path — USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music

Classical Performance & Composition

Contemporary Music

Research and Scholarly Studies

Spotlights

Stevie Wonder performs at the keyboard, singing.

Young student performs to audience in outdoor venue.

Under an LA Sky

USC Thornton Music Industry major-run Sonder Music Group emerges as a power player in LA’s live music scene.

A group of performers on stage for an Opera.

Opera Outside the Box

USC Thornton Composition doctoral student Ben Beckman is changing what opera can look like for a modern audience.

News

September 30, 2026

Thornton Celebrates 50 Years of Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life”

September 25, 2026

Stewart L. Gordon wins keyboard music category from Music Publishers Association

September 17, 2026

Remi Wolf announces third album “Mud”, shares new singles “Twiggy” and “Bottle”

September 10, 2026

Andrew Shulman to open Restoration Concert

Upcoming Events

10/5

Mon | 7:00 PM | Carson Soundstage (CTV 136)

Jazz Night
10/6

Tue | 7:30 PM | Newman Recital Hall (AHF 151)

Thornton Edge
10/7

Wed | 7:00 PM | Bovard Auditorium (ADM)

USC Thornton Symphony: Concerto Night

Carl St.
10/12

Mon | 7:00 PM | Carson Soundstage (CTV 136)

Jazz Night

View All Events