Richard Smith releases new single co-written with alumnus Adam Hawley
USC Thornton Studio Guitar and Popular Music professor Richard Smith has released a new single called “Groove Assets” on Sept. 1. According to The Urban Music Scene, the single was produced and co-written by USC Thornton alumnus Adam Hawley (BA ‘06, MA ‘08, DMA ‘10). “Groove Assets” is their third collaboration together. “There is no… Continue reading Richard Smith releases new single co-written with alumnus Adam Hawley
Ambrose Akinmusire to receive Jazz Innovator Award
Trumpeter, composer and USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) will receive the Jazz Innovator Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards on October 22. The Jazz Music Awards recognize and celebrate individuals who have made, and continue to make, a lasting contribution to jazz music.
Cameron Akioka wins silver medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies graduate student Cameron Akioka won the silver medal, the James Miles Memorial Presidential Prize and attendee-vote Audience Favorite Award at the Seattle International Piano Competition. The announcement was made on Oct. 9. 43 pianists from North America, Europe and Asia submitted entries for the Collegiate Artists category. Akioka, who studies with… Continue reading Cameron Akioka wins silver medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition
Bear McCreary composes score for “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Bear McCreary (BM ‘02) composed the score for Amazon Prime Video series “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” In an interview about the score, McCreary said: “I was really excited at the possibility of exploring familiar sounds that we associate with the Peter Jackson films and Howard Shore’s… Continue reading Bear McCreary composes score for “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
Kelly Sulick releases new album
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumna Kelly Sulick (MM ‘06) recently released an album of 20th- and 21st-century American works for flute and piano titled “Duo.” The album, recorded with pianist John Mayhood and released by Centaur Records, features works by Aaron Copland, John Harbison, Jennifer Higdon and Halsey Stevens, and it also includes the… Continue reading Kelly Sulick releases new album
Loren Medina talks about working with today’s Latinx music stars
USC Thornton Music Industry program adjunct instructor and Latina publicist Loren Medina was interviewed by POPSUGAR about how she founded her firm Guerrera PR, Marketing & Management and came to work with some of today’s rising Latinx music stars. In the interview, Medina touched on the importance of maintaining her authenticity despite the industry’s pressures,… Continue reading Loren Medina talks about working with today’s Latinx music stars
Gerald Clayton speaks about fostering the next generation of jazz
Six-time GRAMMY Award-nominated pianist, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Gerald Clayton (’07) was recently interviewed by Document Journal alongside Emmy Award winner Kris Bowers about the 65th annual Monterey Jazz Festival and all things jazz. Clayton is the director of this year’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra so he shared what it’s been like working with… Continue reading Gerald Clayton speaks about fostering the next generation of jazz
Samantha Epp wins principal bassoon position with Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra
Samantha Epp (‘20, MM ‘22), a USC Thornton Winds & Percussion Department alumna, recently won the principal bassoon position with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra. Epp has previously played with groups such as the American Youth Symphony.
Derek Polischuk performs on PBS series “Music for Justice”
Pianist and USC Thornton alumnus Derek Polischuk (DMA ‘06) was featured in an episode of the “Music for Social Justice” series on PBS. In the episode, he performed music from his album “Terra Incognita” with composer Tom Osborne (DMA ‘06). The album celebrates the beauty of Hawaii while also sharing its traumatic path to statehood.
Michael Lee’s “Ghost Break Dance” to be performed at SF Music Day
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Michael Lee’s (DMA ‘17) “Ghost Break Dance,” a work for violin and cello that was premiered in 2019 by Ensemble Ari, will be performed by the group again at the 15th annual San Francisco Music Day on October 9 at the SF War Memorial Hall. SF Music Day is the… Continue reading Michael Lee’s “Ghost Break Dance” to be performed at SF Music Day