ACADEMICS
Early Music Performance
Early Music comprises a major facet of professional music making, garnering the attention of an ever-growing, international audience. Specialists in early music are consistently involved in a dynamic range of activities, including solo and ensemble performance, research and writing, program planning, preparation of performing editions and historically-informed arrangements, and ensemble direction and teaching. The USC Thornton Early Music Performance graduate degree program immerses students in all facets of the profession.
Students in the USC Thornton Early Music program rehearse 6-8 hours per week, perform in 4-6 ensemble programs per year, and collaborate in student recitals. Performers in our program also learn about historical improvisation, notation, and composition through hands-on practice. In addition to the core curriculum, they take courses in performance practice topics and musicology and pursue individual research. They are also encouraged to perform in the professional early music community.
Graduate & Doctoral Programs
Master of Arts
Early Music Performance
2 years | 32 units
The MA in early music is a two-year, 32-unit program consisting of course work in music history, individual instruction on a historical instrument or voice, early music ensemble and collegium workshop, culminating with a thesis.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Doctor of Musical Arts
Early Music Performance
65 units
The DMA in early music requires a minimum of 65 units beyond the bachelor’s degree and consists of the following areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, an academic field and two elective fields. Four doctoral recitals are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate
Early Music Performance
2 years | 16 units
The Graduate Certificate in performance is a two-year, 16-unit program consisting of individual instruction, studio class, and two ensembles, or the equivalent thereof, each semester. This graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Early Music Faculty
Lucinda Carver
Keyboard Studies; Early Music; ConductingLot Demeyer
Baroque oboeEarly MusicMaxine Eilander
HarpEarly MusicAdam Knight Gilbert
Recorder, historical double reedsEarly Music; MusicologyRotem Gilbert
Recorder, historical double reedsEarly Music; MusicologyJennifer Kampani
Baroque voiceEarly Music PerformanceJason Yoshida
Lutes, historical guitarsEarly Music
Spotlights
see allContact
Adam Knight Gilbert, director
Gordon La Cross, coordinator
UGW 125
(213) 821-6052
earlymusic@usc.edu