Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (’07) is set to conduct the BAFTA Games in Concert in Jan. 2026 at Royal Festival Hall. Celebrating 20 years of the BAFTA Games Awards, the concert features soundtracks ranging from household names to those from pioneering independent studios. “I take a certain delight in programming into the… Continue reading Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
Marek Zebrowski recieves honorary doctorate from Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce
Marek Zebrowski, head of USC’s Polish Music Center (PMC), has received an honorary doctorate from the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce in Poland. Head of the university’s music department, Jerzy Mądrawski, described Zebrowski as “a versatile musician of international renown,” noting his worldwide performances and film scores for directors including longtime friend David Lynch. Mądrawski… Continue reading Marek Zebrowski recieves honorary doctorate from Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce
Larry J. Livingston to receive Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor
Chair of USC Thornton’s conducting program Larry J. Livingston will receive the Medal of Honor from The Midwest Clinic on Dec. 18, 2025. The honor is given to conductors, educators, composers and others who have remarkably impacted music education and the development and improvement of bands and orchestras. Livingston, a distinguished conductor, educator, administrator and… Continue reading Larry J. Livingston to receive Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor
Julia Moss presents world premiere of “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with LACO
On Nov. 22 and 23, USC Thornton Composition program alumna Julia Moss (MM ’24) premiered her work “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) as part of the concert “A Brahmsian Affair.” Exploring empathy, reflection and renewal, her sextet bridges Brahms’ Romantic spirit with a bold, contemporary voice that plays with time… Continue reading Julia Moss presents world premiere of “(Please Don’t) Look Away” with LACO
Michael Garcia named Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by IEBA
Michael Garcia, certified venue executive and chair of the USC Thornton Music Industry program, was awarded as Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA). Known for combining practical expertise with a commitment to education, roles like general manager of the Greek Theater and senior VP and COO… Continue reading Michael Garcia named Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by IEBA
Deathbomb Arc celebrates the release of Ted Hearne’s album, Farming
On Nov. 20, Deathbomb Arc Records celebrated the release of Farming, a critically-acclaimed album by composer and USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Ted Hearne. The event featured a performance by Hearne, Taylor Levine and Rohan Chander (MM ’22) as well as a Hearne and Chander-directed film scored with the album. Named a Critic’s Pick… Continue reading Deathbomb Arc celebrates the release of Ted Hearne’s album, Farming
Kevin Lyman received Visionary Award at Billboard Live Music Summit
At the Nov. 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit, USC Thornton music industry faculty member Kevin Lyman was honored with the Visionary Award for his contributions to the live music industry, including founding the Vans Warped Tour. Beginning in 1995, the traveling music festival would become a punk institution over the next two decades, providing a… Continue reading Kevin Lyman received Visionary Award at Billboard Live Music Summit
USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
USC alum and former Thornton Board of Councilors member Lenny Waronker was recently inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Waronker is best known for his historic tenure as head of Warner Brothers A&R through the ‘70s and president through the ‘80s, where he groundbreakingly prioritized creative integrity over commercial pressure. Having… Continue reading USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Thornton receives 27 nominations for 68th Grammy Awards
On Nov. 11, alumni, faculty and Creative Vanguard Artists from the USC Thornton School of Music received 27 nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards. Our list of honorees includes veterans scoring a repeat trip to the awards, rising talent and first-time nominees. The album Fasten Up by jazz super group Yellowjackets was nominated for Best… Continue reading Thornton receives 27 nominations for 68th Grammy Awards
