Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Quote Blocks:
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin

A Letter from Bob Mintzer
“Rather than having all the answers, we pose the questions that inspire students to learn for themselves and develop a musical personality steeped in passion and focus.”
Bob Mintzer
USC Thornton Faculty Member
- List
- Of
- Items
USC Colors:
Tan: #EBE7E1 Dark Tan: #D5CDBF Red: #900Image Slider
Accordions:
ALAJE (Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble)

Bachelor of Music
Performance – Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass or Harp
4 years | 132 units
Course Includes:
- Work in the major (individual instruction, string pedagogy, orchestra repertoire, interpretation of baroque music),
- Core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, chamber music and symphony)
- USC’s general education & writing program Junior & Senior Recitals
USC CreSCendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Masters of Music
Performance – Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass or Harp
2 years | 30 units
The MM in strings is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of individual instruction, chamber music, symphony, music history, conducting, interpretation of baroque music and electives. A graduate recital is required. Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements here. See the Thornton Admission page for specific application information here.
Graduate Certificate & Artistic Diplomas
Graduate Certificate
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.
Minors & Electives
Minor…
24 units
Lorem ipsum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program only for musicians?
No, the Arts Leadership program is suitable for artists, professional arts administrators, and thought leaders in any artistic discipline.
I don’t live in California — will I have to move to LA if I want to enroll in this program?
Yes, all courses in the Arts Leadership program are taught on the USC campus.
What resources will I have access to during the program?
Arts Leadership students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, experiential learning, and a network of like minded colleagues.
My project has very specific needs — how can I be sure this program will address them?
Students have the freedom to take electives through USC’s Marshall School of Business, Price School of Public Policy, and others.
Do I need to have already started my project or idea to enroll in the program?
It’s not a requirement to have already started an organization or project, but we’re looking for proven artists and leaders with strong visions who are ready to bring their ideas to fruition.
Half-Width Photo, Half-Width Text

Los Angeles Orchestra Fellowship
USC Thornton, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) have joined forces to offer the Los Angeles Orchestra Fellowship, which offers rigorous training to top-tier string musicians in the Graduate Certificate (GCRT) program at USC Thornton, as well as a generous financial package covering full tuition and living expenses. See more information on the Graduate Certificate page.
Spotlights
-
A Return to Form
Looking back on an amazing spring 2022 semester at USC Thornton including the return of live performances.
-
2022 Outstanding Graduates
USC Thornton students in composition, choral music, musicology and violin performance are recognized for distinction.
-
IN CONVERSATION WITH | Bruce Alan Brown and Lisa de Alwis
The IN CONVERSATION WITH | series profiles the careers, accomplishments and relationships of USC Thornton faculty and alumni.