University of Southern California

USC Thornton School of Music

Music in the City of Angels

Click here to learn about our 2022 attendance guidelines for the USC Thornton School of Music.

Jazz saxophonist plays a solo on stage with a jazz orchestra.

On the horizon: bright futures.

Successful musicians of the future need to do so much more than play music. In addition to being virtuoso performers with distinct artistic voices, they need to function as digital-savvy technicians and entrepreneurs. We equip artists with the portfolio of skills they need to thrive.

Photo of a string quartet standing on the steps of a historical building.

Always innovating, always collaborating.

USC Thornton students collaborate constantly across musical genres within the school, and with their peers in USC’s world-class cinematic arts, dance, and theatre schools. We encourage study abroad, as musicians’ multi-faceted careers increasingly are global. This international focus builds a multicultural sensibility and widens students’ professional networks.

Opportunities abound.

No one career looks like another, and we train students for success in multiple career paths. These include stages, studios, higher education, K-12 classrooms, and arts leadership positions. Our location in Los Angeles, the creative capital of the world, provides a wealth of nearby opportunities.

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

Student bassoonist stands with their instrument against a red wall in downtown Los Angeles.

Classical Performance & Composition

Contemporary Music

Research and Scholarly Studies

USC Thornton Students:
Favorite Things About Los Angeles

Spotlights

Photo of Christian Amonson smiling in front of a mixing console in a recording studio.

Photo of a musician with long hair in concert attire playing the viola.

When Dreams Become Reality

Thornton Strings Department Alumna Karoline Menezes Has Performed with Stars Like Beyoncé and Billie Eilish.

Photo of Andrae Alexander wearing a dark hat in front of a colorful photo of an audio mixing board.

Meet The New Faculty: Andrae Alexander

As part of a series honoring faculty appointments, USC Thornton celebrates Andrae Alexander’s new position as an assistant professor of practice.

News

Doyoung Park wins first prize at the 2022 New York International Classical Music Competition

Daniel Gee named music director of Santa Barbara Youth Symphony

Katelyn Vahala named a prize winner at 2022 International Bach Competition

Anni Hochhalter releases album with WindSync

Learn about USC Thornton’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity & inclusion.