Author Archive


Photo of William Coppola

Virginia Stewart and William Coppola to present papers at Mayday Colloquium/LGBTQ Studies and Music Education Symposium

June 28, 2021

Virginia Stewart, a doctoral student in the Music Teaching & Learning program, will present a paper entitled “Finding Social Justice with the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angles during the Pandemic” at the 32nd Mayday Colloquium/4th LGBTQ Studies and Music Education Symposium at the end of the month. The virtual symposium will take place June… Continue reading Virginia Stewart and William Coppola to present papers at Mayday Colloquium/LGBTQ Studies and Music Education Symposium


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“Mariachitlán” by Juan Pablo Contreras to be performed at Disney Hall with LACO

June 23, 2021

Juan Pablo Contreras, a DMA Student in Composition, will bring his internationally celebrated work, “Mariachitlán,” to both Walt Disney Concert Hall and Carnegie Hall this summer.


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Munachimso Mbaezue Featured in DailyTrojan

June 22, 2021

Musical Theatre sophomore Munachimso Mbaezue was interviewed by the DailyTrojan for his film “The Principles of Progeny.” One of Mbaezue’s very first choral composition pieces is featured in the project, with more pieces and performance to come in the future.


Vince Mendoza featured in JazzTimes

June 16, 2021

USC Thornton faculty member Vince Mendoza was featured in Jazz Times magazine about “Freedom Over Everything,” his latest album and debut on the new Modern Recordings label.


Composer Dan Caputo looking into the camera and standing outdoors.

Dan Caputo

June 14, 2021

Dan Caputo (b. 1991) is a Los Angeles-based composer and producer of instrumental and electronic music whose work has been described as “sprawling [and] dreamlike,” “sumptuously depict[ing]” its subject matter (San Francisco Classical Voice). Weaving a range of stylistic influences into his psychologically-bent music, Dan aims to construct immersive sonic experiences colored by curious and thought-provoking… Continue reading Dan Caputo


Portrait of Scott Rieker

Scott Rieker Named Semi-Finalist in American Prize for Composition

June 14, 2021

Dr. Scott Rieker’s (DMA, ‘19), Director of Choral Music & Music Education, was named a semi-finalist in the American Prize for Composition, in the Choral Music division for his setting of five poems by former US Poet Laurate, Ted Kooser, entitled “Ted Kooser Suite.”


Photo of USC Trojan Marching Band with Jacob Vogel

Jacob Vogel

June 11, 2021

Director of the USC Trojan Marching Band, Vogel’s artistic vision has been instrumental to the success of his collaborative efforts with the Thornton School of Music’s Popular Music Program, the Kaufman School of Dance, X Ambassador’s Sam Harris, Fitz and the Tantrums, composers Ramin Djawadi and Alan Silvestri, as well as Angelina Jolie and Mark Hamill.


William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant perform at the Albany Symphony season finale

June 10, 2021

USC Thornton faculty members William Kanengiser and Scott Tenant perform a weekend of solo and duo works for classical guitar as part of the Albany Symphony’s season finale.


Photo of William J. Coppola

William Coppola

June 9, 2021

William J. Coppola is assistant professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he teaches graduate courses in music education philosophy, cultural diversity and research methods. He is chair-elect of the Philosophy Special Interest Research Group for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the global music representative… Continue reading William Coppola


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Tim Greiving

June 8, 2021

Tim Greiving is an arts journalist in Los Angeles who specializes in film music. He regularly contributes to NPR, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post. His work has been published in the New York Times, Variety, The Ringer, Los Angeles Magazine, and Vulture. He has written program notes for the Los Angeles Philharmonic,… Continue reading Tim Greiving