Alumni win at 2024 Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards
USC Thornton alumni have won in several categories of the fifth annual Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards, which were held on February 13 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) won Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film with his score for Oppenheimer. Carlos Rafael Rivera (MM ‘04, DMA… Continue reading Alumni win at 2024 Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards
Jane Davidson quoted in L.A. Times
USC Thornton Music Industry program alumna and faculty member Jane Davidson (‘14) was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article profiling Ben Crumps, an attorney best known for his civil rights cases who has shifted to entertainment law. Having represented the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in their wrongful-death lawsuits, Crumps is leading… Continue reading Jane Davidson quoted in L.A. Times
Remi Wolf collaborates with Norah Jones on Spotify single
USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Remi Wolf (‘18) collaborated with Norah Jones on her new Spotify single, a cover of Big Thief’s “Change,” which was released on January 31. Wolf recently joined Jones on her podcast, “Playing Along,” where the duo discussed their tour schedules and creative outlets, and duetted a selection of songs.
Vimbayi Kaziboni wins 2024 Ditson Fund Conductor’s Award
Celebrated conductor and USC Thornton alumnus Vimbayi Kaziboni (‘10) has won the 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor’s Award. He earned $5,000 and a citation from Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik. Established in 1945, the Alice M. Ditson Fund is the oldest continuing award honoring conductors for distinguished contributions to American music. “This comes as… Continue reading Vimbayi Kaziboni wins 2024 Ditson Fund Conductor’s Award
Joe Poindexter named chief communications officer and executive VP, digital of PULSE Music Group
USC Thornton Music Industry program faculty member Joe Poindexter was named chief communications officer and executive vice president of digital at PULSE Music Group. Poindexter has worked with PULSE for 12 years, overseeing the company’s digital marketing strategy. Based in Los Angeles, PULSE is an independent music publisher and record label with an award-winning client… Continue reading Joe Poindexter named chief communications officer and executive VP, digital of PULSE Music Group
Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Ben Gunnarson, a master’s student in the USC Thornton Winds & Percussion program, has won a position in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the oldest active musical organization in the country. Gunnarson will join a community of Thornton graduates, including clarinetists Angelo Quail (MM ‘15) and Andrew Jacobi (MM ‘14, GCRT ‘16) and… Continue reading Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Matthew Krell, a DMA student in the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program, has won first prize in composition in the 2023 World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition with his piece, “Improvisation after Paganini.” Krell’s winning composition will be presented at the online World Piano Conference, scheduled for May 20-24. *** Photo courtesy of the… Continue reading Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Several USC Thornton alumni have been nominated in the fifth annual Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in music for visual media. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) was nominated for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film with Oppenheimer. Allyson Newman (GCRT ’05) received a nomination for Outstanding Original Song… Continue reading Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
Gina Luciani (MM ’13), a USC Thornton alumna and flutist, has launched “Practice Note: The Practice Notebook for Musicians.” “Practice Note” is a modern journal with weekly music practice pages and goal sheets, available in 11 different versions. The journal features a clear layout and vibrant designs to help organize and inspire musicians of all… Continue reading Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) has announced that her new album, The Great Bailout, will be released on March 8 via ANTI-. The nine-track album includes contributions from Lonnie Holley, Angel Bat Dawid, Mary Lattimore, Vijay Iyer, Raia Was, Aaron Dilloway and Alya Al-Sultani. The first single “Guilty,” featuring Lattimore,… Continue reading Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”