Sharon Lavery conducts the LA Phil’s “Holiday Brass” concert
On Dec. 16, USC Thornton Winds & Percussion Program Chair Sharon Lavery led the brass and percussion sections of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for their “Holiday Brass” concert in Walt Disney Concert Hall, as part of the Deck the Hall concert series. The performance featured USC Thornton faculty member Thomas Hooten and several alumni, including… Continue reading Sharon Lavery conducts the LA Phil’s “Holiday Brass” concert
Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (’07) is set to conduct the BAFTA Games in Concert in Jan. 2026 at Royal Festival Hall. Celebrating 20 years of the BAFTA Games Awards, the concert features soundtracks ranging from household names to those from pioneering independent studios. “I take a certain delight in programming into the… Continue reading Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
Marek Zebrowski recieves honorary doctorate from Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce
Marek Zebrowski, head of USC’s Polish Music Center (PMC), has received an honorary doctorate from the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce in Poland. Head of the university’s music department, Jerzy Mądrawski, described Zebrowski as “a versatile musician of international renown,” noting his worldwide performances and film scores for directors including longtime friend David Lynch. Mądrawski… Continue reading Marek Zebrowski recieves honorary doctorate from Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce
Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq nominated in 2026 Golden Globes
Composer and USC Thornton alumnus Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08 – Screen Scoring) has been nominated for two categories at the 2026 Golden Globes: Best Original Score for Sinners (written, directed & produced by USC School of Cinematic Arts alumnus Ryan Coogler) and Best Original Song for “I Lied to You,” also from Sinners, co-written with… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq nominated in 2026 Golden Globes
Larry J. Livingston to receive Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor
Chair of USC Thornton’s conducting program Larry J. Livingston will receive the Medal of Honor from The Midwest Clinic on Dec. 18, 2025. The honor is given to conductors, educators, composers and others who have remarkably impacted music education and the development and improvement of bands and orchestras. Livingston, a distinguished conductor, educator, administrator and… Continue reading Larry J. Livingston to receive Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor
Julia Moss presents world premiere of “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with LACO
On Nov. 22 and 23, USC Thornton Composition program alumna Julia Moss (MM ’24) premiered her work “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) as part of the concert “A Brahmsian Affair.” Exploring empathy, reflection and renewal, her sextet bridges Brahms’ Romantic spirit with a bold, contemporary voice that plays with time… Continue reading Julia Moss presents world premiere of “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with LACO
Michael Garcia named Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by IEBA
Michael Garcia, certified venue executive and chair of the USC Thornton Music Industry program, was awarded as Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA). Known for combining practical expertise with a commitment to education, roles like general manager of the Greek Theater and senior VP and COO… Continue reading Michael Garcia named Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by IEBA
Deathbomb Arc celebrates the release of Ted Hearne’s album, Farming
On Nov. 20, Deathbomb Arc Records celebrated the release of Farming, a critically-acclaimed album by composer and USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Ted Hearne. The event featured a performance by Hearne, Taylor Levine and Rohan Chander (MM ’22) as well as a Hearne and Chander-directed film scored with the album. Named a Critic’s Pick… Continue reading Deathbomb Arc celebrates the release of Ted Hearne’s album, Farming
Kevin Lyman received Visionary Award at Billboard Live Music Summit
At the Nov. 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit, USC Thornton music industry faculty member Kevin Lyman was honored with the Visionary Award for his contributions to the live music industry, including founding the Vans Warped Tour. Beginning in 1995, the traveling music festival would become a punk institution over the next two decades, providing a… Continue reading Kevin Lyman received Visionary Award at Billboard Live Music Summit
Shawn Mendes’ team share the inside scoop as part of USC Thornton Spotlight Sessions
On Oct. 24, a panel of Shawn Mendes’ team shared their industry insights to interested students. The event was part of the newly established Spotlight Sessions initiated by USC Thornton Dean Jason King to provide more opportunity to hear from active, accomplished major players. Consisting of co-manager and A&R Executive Ziggy Chareton, marketing executive and… Continue reading Shawn Mendes’ team share the inside scoop as part of USC Thornton Spotlight Sessions