University of Southern California

USC Thornton School of Music

Fall 2027 Applications Due Dec 1

Bernie Tapuin holds a guitar with a desert background.

Trojan Family Weekend 2026

Join the USC Thornton School of Music for Trojan Family Weekend on Thursday, October 29th, to Saturday, November 1st.

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

Photo of performing artist Usher wearing a black leather jacket.

Stevie Wonder performs at the keyboard, singing.

Artists Announced for ‘Songs In The Key Of Life At 50: Reimagined’

One-night-only concert at USC’s Bovard Auditorium reimagines Stevie Wonder’s landmark album on its 50th anniversary, bringing together acclaimed guest vocalists with USC Thornton students, faculty and alumni.

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.

News

October 6, 2026

Pop Conference 2027 announces call for proposals

October 2, 2026

Laura Karpman scores “The Love Hypothesis”

September 30, 2026

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

September 25, 2026

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

Upcoming Events

10/30

Fri | 8:30 AM | Newman Recital Hall (AHF 151)

A Day in the Life: The Thornton Student Experience — A Special Trojan Family Weekend Event

What is it really like to be a student at USC Thornton?
10/30

Fri | 2:00 PM | Carson Soundstage (CTV 136)

Teddy Abrams: In Conversation — A Special Trojan Family Weekend Edition of Forum Class

A special highlight of USC Thornton’s Trojan Family Weekend programming, Grammy Award-winning conductor, composer, and musical innovator Teddy Abrams joins USC Thornton Professor Nate Sloan for an onstage conversation during USC Thornton’s weekly Forum class.
10/30

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

Bernie Taupin — Storyteller: A USC Thornton School of Music Celebration for Trojan Family Weekend 2026

Join USC Thornton School of Music for a special Trojan Family Weekend celebration honoring legendary lyricist and storyteller Bernie Taupin.
10/30

Fri | 7:00 PM | Newman Recital Hall (AHF 151)

Oriana Choir and USC Sirens

USC Thornton's Oriana Choir and USC Sirens.

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