ABOUT
The USC Thornton School of Music prepares students for successful careers in the 21st century, drawing upon an unparalleled history of artistry and scholarship established alongside the City of Angels.
Founded in 1884, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music prepares students for successful careers in the 21st century. Our mission is defined by the pursuit of musical excellence, collaboration, and support.
USC Thornton blends the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the intellectual ambition of a leading research university, students thrive as artists, performers, educators, and professionals while taking classes in other schools at USC. They often add a double major or a minor, and learn from esteemed faculty and students beyond the musical classroom and across the university.
With our location in the heart of Los Angeles, opportunities abound and students often build careers before they graduate. We are unique among our peers in the sheer diversity of music that is taught here—from early music to popular music, orchestral performance, screen scoring, jazz, composition, music industry, and more—all at the highest levels. Scroll down to learn more about USC Thornton.
USC Thornton offers courses for everyone whether you are embarking on a degree, earning a graduate certificate or artist diploma, considering a minor, or rounding out your electives.
Develop your skills with a graduate or undergraduate degree in our classical, contemporary, or scholarly & research programs.
Regardless of your major or level of experience, we invite you to study and create music at USC Thornton.
Designed for artists concentrating on the full-time development of their discipline, holding an undergraduate music education or its equivalent.
Whether you dwell in the city or study abroad, USC and the Thornton School of Music offer resources to support your journey.
Los Angeles is home to over nine million people from more than 140 countries. USC Thornton’s location allows you to engage with this dynamic city via scholarship and practice.
USC Thornton belongs to a consortium of international schools of music and conservatories, creating global gateways for students.
As the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, USC Thornton celebrates over a centennial of artistry and scholarship.
Philanthropist and arts patron Flora Laney Thornton is the namesake of USC’s Thornton School of Music.
The Thornton School of Music produced nearly half of USC’s first 100 graduates in 1884.
Dean Cutietta’s two-decade tenure expanded USC Thornton’s definition of a music school’s purpose.
Each week, we send a recap of the latest events, news and updates at the USC Thornton School of Music. From student and alumni spotlights to our “Pick of the Week,” this is a great way to stay connected with USC Thornton and the Los Angeles music scene.