OFFICE OF THE DEAN
Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program
Members of the Creative Vanguard Program will mentor students and collaborate with the Thornton community.
Dean Jason King (Photo by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn)
About
Dean Jason King and the Creative Vanguard Program will bring a wide-ranging group of distinguished music artists and creative leaders to USC. Working across Thornton’s diverse departments, Vanguard artists and creative leaders represent and span musical genres and idioms such as classical, pop, and jazz.
Each of the artists and industry figures amongst the Creative Vanguard exemplify creative leadership; culture-defining impact; collaboration; interdisciplinary exploration; innovation, experimentation and representation of the musical continuum: artists whose work bridges the past, present, and future of music.
Creative Vanguard Artists
Members of the Creative Vanguard will dedicate their time at USC to active collaboration not only with students and faculty, but also with one another, towards the goal of supporting a vibrant and interdisciplinary community.
Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose landmark works include A Seat at the Table (2016) and When I Get Home (2019). Beyond her music, Knowles has become one of the most visionary cultural curators of the 21st century. The Saint Heron founder embarks on a multi-year residency with Thornton, focusing on curricular and programmatic initiatives.
Raphael Saadiq brings a wealth of experience to the program as an multi-award-winning artist; songwriter; producer; and composer for film and television with over thirty-five years of groundbreaking influence in popular music. In addition to his own deep catalogue, Saadiq has penned hits for artists like D’Angelo, Daniel Caesar, Brent Faiyaz, Solange and Beyoncé.
Learn more
Questions about the Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program can be directed to music.dean@usc.edu.