Jazz guitarist Tomas Janzon tours for Nomadic album
Tomas Janzon (MM ‘00), a jazz guitarist and USC Thornton Classical Guitar program alumnus, was on tour for his 2022 album, Nomadic. The Tomas Janzon Quartet, featuring bassist Jeff Littleton, drummer Donald Dean and pianist Jamael Dean, played their latest show on October 6 at LACMA. Nomadic is available on Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.… Continue reading Jazz guitarist Tomas Janzon tours for Nomadic album
Rhian Bristol named finalist in Audacy’s 2023 Opening Act competition
Rhian Bristol, a master’s student in USC Thornton’s Popular Music Teaching and Learning program, was named a finalist in Audacy’s 2023 Opening Act competition. Bristol ranked third among over 23,000 competitors. She performed a 20-minute set at Audacy’s 10th Annual We Can Survive concert at the Prudential Center on Oct. 14.
Billboard names USC Thornton a top music business school
On October 10, Billboard included USC Thornton on their 2023 list of Top Music Business Schools in the world. Billboard highlighted Thornton’s Music Industry program as well as the school’s emphasis on collaboration and networking. They noted Thornton’s “close ties with the L.A. music community,” which allows students to learn from alumni and industry professionals… Continue reading Billboard names USC Thornton a top music business school
Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
USC Thornton Board of Councilors Chair Gregg Field was featured in a new CBS Sunday Morning segment on the late composer Henry Mancini. Field discussed the fame of Mancini’s film and television music, such as the ubiquitous “Pink Panther Theme” and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The segment included a recording session of his… Continue reading Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
Pop band Trousdale releases debut album “Out of My Mind”
Trousdale, a pop band formed by USC Thornton alumni Quinn D’Andrea (‘18), Lauren Jones (‘18) and Georgia Greene (‘18), released their debut album Out Of My Mind on Sept. 15. The trio was celebrated for their “skilled songwriting” in KCRW‘s Best New Music section. Out of My Mind is available now on all major music… Continue reading Pop band Trousdale releases debut album “Out of My Mind”
Saxophonist Simon Hwang wins 2023 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition
Simon Hwang, a double major in Jazz Studies at USC Thornton and Business Administration at USC Dornsife, was selected as a winner of the 2023 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition. Presented by Yamaha Corporation of America, the YYPA Competition recognizes young musicians who study and excel in the jazz, classical and contemporary genres. The… Continue reading Saxophonist Simon Hwang wins 2023 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition
Jenny Wong named chorus director of San Francisco Symphony
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumna Jenny Wong (MM ‘13, DMA ‘17) was named chorus director of the San Francisco Symphony. Wong is the fourth choral conductor to lead the ensemble in its 50-year history. “I know she’s going to bring a great deal of energy, expertise and joy to the Chorus in her… Continue reading Jenny Wong named chorus director of San Francisco Symphony
Camae Ayewa releases new album with Irreversible Entanglements
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa, also known as Moor Mother, released the album Protect Your Light with jazz group Irreversible Entanglements on September 8 via Impulse! Records. The album draws inspiration from a multitude of jazz improvisational styles as well as the shared personal histories within the band. “This record could be… Continue reading Camae Ayewa releases new album with Irreversible Entanglements
Cellist Ruslan Biryukov performed at TEDxTemecula
Cellist and USC Thornton non-degreed alumnus Ruslan Biryukov performed at TEDxTemecula, an annual conference showcasing thinkers, visionaries and performers. The conference took place at Old Town Temecula Community Theater on September 30. Biryukov is the principal cellist and artist-in-residence at the Temecula Valley Symphony. He is the founder of the Glendale Philharmonic Orchestra and Los… Continue reading Cellist Ruslan Biryukov performed at TEDxTemecula
Dean Jason King talks “Hip Hop 50” with USC News
On Sept. 18, USC News published an article on the “Hip Hop 50” event series presented by the USC Kaufman School of Dance and USC Visions and Voices. USC Thornton Dean Jason King was featured, describing “Hip Hop 50” as an expansive and immersive opportunity for students to learn about the genre. “Hip-hop is rooted… Continue reading Dean Jason King talks “Hip Hop 50” with USC News