Author Archive


Stella Cho smiling towards the camera while holding a cello.

Stella Cho joins the Colburn School’s cello faculty

November 13, 2023

USC Thornton Cello Performance alumna Stella Cho (’12, MM ’14, DMA ’22) has joined the Colburn School as a cello instructor. She is also a cello faculty member at Loyola Marymount University. Cho regularly performs in the SAKURA Cello Quintet and the chamber ensemble Delirium Musicum. At Thornton, she studied under Gregor Piatigorsky Chair in… Continue reading Stella Cho joins the Colburn School’s cello faculty


Conductor leading a classical ensemble on stage.

Jeffrey Kahane conducts LACO in world premiere of Nina Young’s “Violin Concerto: Traces”

November 10, 2023

Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member and conductor laureate of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will conduct the world premiere of “Violin Concerto: Traces,” composed by Thornton Composition faculty member Nina Young. The piece will be performed by violinist Jennifer Koh on Nov. 11 at the Alex Theatre and Nov. 12 at… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane conducts LACO in world premiere of Nina Young’s “Violin Concerto: Traces”


Luciana Souza wearing a red blouse and looking towards the camera while sitting.

Luciana Souza featured in November 2023 issue of DownBeat Magazine

November 8, 2023

USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Luciana Souza was on the cover of DownBeat Magazine for their November 2023 issue. In this issue, the Brazil-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer discussed her collaboration with the renowned Trio Corrente on her new album, Cometa. Photo courtesy of Luciana Souza.


Photo of Paul Cornish sitting at the piano.

Paul Cornish wins third place at Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition

November 6, 2023

USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Paul Cornish (‘18) won third place in the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition, which took place on October 15 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City. Cornish, a recent graduate of the Institute, earned a $10,000 cash prize as one of three finalists.… Continue reading Paul Cornish wins third place at Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition


Image of a woman near a keyboard and music paper.

Patrice Rushen composes new work for “Musical Landscapes in Color” initiative

November 2, 2023

Patrice Rushen, chair of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, composed a new work for distinguished composer and ethnomusicologist William Banfield’s five-year initiative, “Musical Landscapes in Color.” The initiative aims to spotlight musicians of color and diversify classical music. The first concert in this project, “Harmony in Black,” was performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra… Continue reading Patrice Rushen composes new work for “Musical Landscapes in Color” initiative


Thomas Jazon holding an electric guitar while sitting down.

Jazz guitarist Tomas Janzon tours for Nomadic album

November 1, 2023

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


Photo of Rhian Bristol.

Rhian Bristol named finalist in Audacy’s 2023 Opening Act competition

October 30, 2023

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.


Photo of a college campus at night.

Billboard names USC Thornton a top music business school

October 27, 2023

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 being interviewed on CBS Sunday Morning.

Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini

October 25, 2023

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


Photo of popular music group Trousdale wearing colorful outfits.

Pop band Trousdale releases debut album “Out of My Mind”

October 25, 2023

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”