Pop Conference 2026 announces call for proposals
Pop Conference 2026 (PopCon) has announced its call for proposals under the theme of “Mayhem: Pop Music and Writing in Perilous Times.” The annual conference features the world’s leading scholars, journalists, writers, and musicians for a long weekend of papers, roundtables, discussions, and performances exploring popular music. The USC Thornton School of Music will once… Continue reading Pop Conference 2026 announces call for proposals
Robin Sukhadia appointed as Director of Development at USC Thornton
Robin Sukhadia has been appointed as Director of Development at the USC Thornton School of Music, announced on Sept. 8. In his new role, Sukhadia will lead USC Thornton’s fundraising strategy, cultivate relationships with donors and build the resources needed to advance the school’s mission. Sukhadia brings a distinguished career in arts philanthropy and nonprofit… Continue reading Robin Sukhadia appointed as Director of Development at USC Thornton
Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night
On Sept. 12, USC Thornton undergraduate students Taylor Lee and Quinn Sims opened for former USC Thornton jazz studies faculty member Roy McCurdy at LACMA’s Jazz Night, where McCurdy was honored with the L.A. Jazz Treasure Award. The Taylor Lee Trio features pianist Taylor Lee, bassist Quinn Sims and drummer Ishaan Natarajan. In 2024, Lee… Continue reading Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night
Annenberg Media spotlights H.E.R. Signature Series event
On Sept. 15, Annenberg Media spotlighted USC Thornton’s Signature Series event featuring five-time Grammy-winning artist, H.E.R., in conversation with Dean Jason King. Thornton students Lionna Romans, Rachel Barton, Joshua Grossman, Eyen Paredes and Jaden Lehman surprised H.E.R. and the audience with a performance of the artist’s hit songs, “Best Part” and “The Journey.” “As the… Continue reading Annenberg Media spotlights H.E.R. Signature Series event
Quenton Blache featured on Sphinx Virtuosi album, “American Mirror”
USC Thornton Composition, Cello Performance and Screen Scoring alum Quenton Blache (BM ’23, MM ’24) is one of the featured composers on Sphinx Virtuosi’s album, American Mirror, released on August 29 via Deutsche Grammophon. The album opens with Blache’s piece “Habari Gani,” an ode to the ideals of unity and fellowship. American Mirror includes new… Continue reading Quenton Blache featured on Sphinx Virtuosi album, “American Mirror”
Los Angeles Times interviews songwriter Jensen McRae
In an interview published on June 18, the Los Angeles Times noted USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Jensen McRae (’19) as the city’s next great songwriter. L.A. Times music critic Mikael Wood traced her journey from studying at Harvard-Westlake to honing her songwriting skills at Thornton and ultimately gaining prominence as an alternative folk-pop artist.… Continue reading Los Angeles Times interviews songwriter Jensen McRae
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