Faculty


Marek Zebrowski recieves honorary doctorate from Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce

December 9, 2025

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

December 4, 2025

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


Michael Garcia named Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year by IEBA

December 3, 2025

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


Composer Ted Hearne in a black shirt.

Deathbomb Arc celebrates the release of Ted Hearne’s album, Farming

December 1, 2025

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


Headshot of Kevin Lyman

Kevin Lyman received Visionary Award at Billboard Live Music Summit

November 12, 2025

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


Thornton receives 27 nominations for 68th Grammy Awards

November 11, 2025

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


Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Wyann Vaughn

November 1, 2025

Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Victoria Kirsch

November 1, 2025

Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Jonathan Feldman

November 1, 2025

Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Ryan McWilliams

November 1, 2025