Admission Events


Thank you for your interest in the Thornton School of Music!  We are excited to connect with you at one of our admission events, be it on-campus or virtually. Check this page regularly for the most current event information.


On-Campus Admission Events

Thornton Undergraduate Admission Sessions

Join a representative from the USC Thornton Office of Admission for an overview of the Thornton undergraduate experience and application process. First-year and transfer prospective students are encouraged to attend, as the session will focus on undergraduate music degrees. Information sessions are available most Fridays at 11:15AM. Note: January info session schedule will be available by December 1.

Discover USC Open House
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:30AM – 5PM

This is our most comprehensive admission program for prospective undergraduate students! Join USC and the Thornton School for the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, admission staff and much more. Information about Thornton specific sessions will be available in September.

USC Office of Admission Undergraduate Events

Prospective undergraduate students are also invited to reserve a student-led or self-guided USC campus tour.  Student-led tours are hosted by current undergraduate USC students who will provide a general overview of the university. 

Approved Class Visit List

Prospective undergraduate students interested in observing a USC Thornton class or rehearsal may refer to the below approved class visit list. Please follow all instructions (included below) closely and pay special attention to any additional instructions in the “Notes from Faculty” section on the approved list.

Instructions for Arranging a Class Visit:

  • Email the instructor as far in advance as possible to confirm your visit and the class meeting location.
  • When arriving to campus, share you’re here for a “Prospective student visit” if prompted for the reason for your visit. You can view Campus Guest Access Details here.
  • Arrive to the class at least 5 minutes early on the day of the visit.
  • Introduce yourself to the professor before the class begins.
  • Plan to stay for the entirety of the class to avoid disruptions for others.
  • Confirm with the instructor that it is okay to arrive late or leave early if you are unable to stay for the full class meeting.

Virtual Admission Events

Music Production Info Sessions

Join Professor Doug Petty, Chair of Music Technology at USC Thornton, for a virtual information session about the B.M. Music Production major and application process

This session is designed for prospective undergraduate BM Music Production applicants (both first-year and transfer) and will be hosted online via Zoom. Registration is required to attend.

  • Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 4:30 – 5:30 PM PT | Register here
  • Monday, September 21, 2026 | 4:30 – 5:30 PM PT | Register here

The Arts at USC
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 PM PT

Join us for an online webinar featuring the visual and performing arts programs at USC. Hear from department representatives about their programs and application requirements, and then join the Thornton School for a breakout session afterwards.

Thornton Undergraduate Virtual Admission Sessions

Offered twice a month (usually on a Wednesday), join a representative from the USC Thornton Office of Admission for an overview of the undergraduate experience and application process. First-year and transfer prospective students are encouraged to attend as the session will focus on undergraduate music degrees. Note: The October session schedule will be available by September 15.

USC Office of Admission Undergraduate Virtual Sessions

Prospective undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to also attend one of the many virtual tours and programs offered by USC Admission.


Additional Options

Los Angeles Music & Dance College Fair
Sunday, September 20, 2026

Thornton Graduate Admission Information

Hosted by The Colburn School and USC Thornton School of Music, the Los Angeles Music & Dance College Fair provides an exciting opportunity for prospective undergraduate and graduate students to meet representatives from leading music schools, conservatories and universites from across the country. Students will have a chance to connect with college representatives, learn more about admission and audition requirements, ask questions, and explore opportunities for next steps in higher educatoin. Admission is free and advance registration is strongly encouraged. View the website for registration details and a list of schools attending!

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to email Kit Bellamy, Associate Director of Graduate Admission, at keb@usc.edu for more information about our graduate programs.

View: Thornton Snapshot

Can’t travel to campus just yet? View a video of the USC Thornton in this series of snapshots showcasing our students in rehearsals, performances, lessons and classes.

Student Ambassador Connections

USC Thornton Student Ambassadors are currently enrolled undergraduate students at the School of Music. They are a great resource for prospective and admitted students to learn more about the Thornton undergraduate experience.