Two men standing in front of a yellow background.

Switched on Pop, Live!

In this live recording of the podcast, Sloan and Harding will break down current hits and beloved classics through live performances by USC Thornton students and special guest artist and USC alum Jensen McRae.

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Photo of performing artist Usher wearing a black leather jacket.

New Look × USC Thornton Founding Fellows

Developed jointly by Usher’s New Look and USC Thornton, the year-long fellowship creates a new model for experiential music-industry education.

News Article

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.

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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.

Programs

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
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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

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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

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November 3, 2026

Upcoming Events

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11/4

Wed | 6:30 PM | MacDonald Recital Hall (MUS 106)

Honors Chamber Music Competition

USC Thornton students compete for the school's top chamber music prize.
11/5

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

Studio Guitar Department Showcase

The Studio Guitar Department, under the leadership of Nick Stoubis, presents their ensembles at an evening in the Carson Sound Stage.
11/5

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

Switched on Pop, Live! Featuring Jensen McRae

ADMISSION: Admission is free and open to everyone.
11/6

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

Thornton Winds

The Thornton Wind ensemble presents a special evening featuring guest conductor Frank Ticheli.

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Resources

Switched on Pop, Live!

New Look × USC Thornton Founding Fellows

Solange: Scholar-in-Residence

Maymester 2027: CDMX

Explore our programs.

Classical Performance & Composition

Contemporary Music

Research and Scholarly Studies

Spotlights

Usher’s New Look Teams Up With USC Thornton To Launch New Fellowship Program

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

Under an LA Sky

News

Remembering Jeremy Gruber

Namratha Kasalanati heralded in SF Classical Voice

Pop Conference 2027 announces call for proposals

Laura Karpman scores “The Love Hypothesis”

Upcoming Events

Honors Chamber Music Competition

Studio Guitar Department Showcase

Switched on Pop, Live! Featuring Jensen McRae

Thornton Winds