In Memoriam: John Perry
John Perry, former USC Thornton Professor Emeritus of Piano, has died at age 90. A distinguished artist and teacher, Perry taught at the USC Thornton School of Music for 37 years. Perry enjoyed an illustrious career as a pianist, performing extensively throughout Europe and North America to great critical acclaim. He was also a respected… Continue reading In Memoriam: John Perry
Mark Batson
Mark Batson is a classically trained pianist, award-winning music producer and visionary composer whose contributions have helped sell over 130 million albums worldwide across pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, jazz and classical music. His work has shaped the sound of some of the most influential artists in modern music, including Eminem, Beyoncé, Nas, Alicia Keys, Anthony… Continue reading Mark Batson
Learning Through Collaboration
Thornton Student Ambassadors Madeline Clara Cheng, Alyssa Holland and Oliviana Marie share highlights from their collaborations as USC Thornton students.
Michael McCuistion
Michael McCuistion is an Emmy Award-winning composer who writes for film, television, multimedia and the concert hall. Nominated for 10 Emmy Awards and five Annie Awards, he also composed and conducted the music for the Oscar-winning short film My Mother Dreams The Satan’s Disciples In New York. McCuistion holds a bachelor’s degree with highest honors… Continue reading Michael McCuistion
Thanh Tran
Thanh Tran is a Los Angeles-based music preparation supervisor, music copyist, and music librarian, preparing scores and parts for film, TV, and games recording sessions. Tran’s notable clients include the Grammy Awards, Disney Parks Entertainment, Hollywood Scoring Los Angeles, “Halo 4 & 5” (343 Industries), American Idol (ABC), the film trailers for Avengers: Endgame and… Continue reading Thanh Tran
Amy Blackman
Amy Blackman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After receiving an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University, she began a career in artist management, based in Los Angeles. For 18 years, Blackman managed the global businesses of multi-Grammy Award winning music artists and producers. Between 2007-2011, she was made cultural ambassador for the US… Continue reading Amy Blackman
Ludwig Göransson receives 2024 Eliason Merit Award
Acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) has received the 2024 Eliason Merit Award from the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Los Angeles (SACC-LA), announced on Nov. 1. “It is a profound honor to receive the Eliason Merit Award,” Göransson said in a statement. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible opportunities I’ve had to… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson receives 2024 Eliason Merit Award
Stewart Gordon named 2025 Teacher of the Year by Music Teachers National Association
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Stewart Gordon was named 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). According to MTNA, the Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to the candidate who most clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to the music teaching profession.
Carl St.Clair concludes historic tenure as music director of the Pacific Symphony
Maestro Carl St.Clair concluded his 35-year tenure as music director of the Pacific Symphony, the longest for an American-born conductor of a U.S. orchestra. He is succeeded by Alexander Shelley, who will serve an initial five-year term beginning in the 2026-27 season. St.Clair will become music director laureate in the 2025-26 season, providing a seamless… Continue reading Carl St.Clair concludes historic tenure as music director of the Pacific Symphony
In Memoriam: Janice McVeigh
Janice McVeigh, former USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera faculty member, soprano and voice teacher, has died at the age of 87. McVeigh was an esteemed instructor at the USC Thornton School of Music for 30 years until her retirement, while also maintaining a private voice studio in Diamond Bar. Prior to USC Thornton, she… Continue reading In Memoriam: Janice McVeigh