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
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
Thanh Tran
Thanh Tran is a Los Angeles-based music preparation supervisor, music copyist, and music librarian, preparing scores and parts for film, TV, and games recording sessions. Tran’s notable clients include the Grammy Awards, Disney Parks Entertainment, Hollywood Scoring Los Angeles, “Halo 4 & 5” (343 Industries), American Idol (ABC), the film trailers for Avengers: Endgame and… Continue reading Thanh Tran
Amy Blackman
Amy Blackman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After receiving an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University, she began a career in artist management, based in Los Angeles. For 18 years, Blackman managed the global businesses of multi-Grammy Award winning music artists and producers. Between 2007-2011, she was made cultural ambassador for the US… Continue reading Amy Blackman
Bob Reynolds
“My favorite improvisers, regardless of genre, share a talent for spontaneously composing melodies with strong narrative arcs.” says Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, and educator Bob Reynolds. “That’s the ideal that’s always inspired my pursuit of this craft.” A three-time Grammy winner with the innovative instrumental collective Snarky Puppy, Reynolds has carved out a unique space… Continue reading Bob Reynolds
Alex Hahn
Alex Hahn is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Los Angeles, California. Still early in his career, Hahn has had the opportunity to perform with many renowned artists such as Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, the Grammy Award-winning John Daversa Progressive Big Band, Bob Mintzer, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Peter Erskine, John Beasley,… Continue reading Alex Hahn
Sal Lozano
Sal Lozano stands out as a leading saxophonist and educator. As a professor of saxophone at the USC Thornton School of Music, Lozano combines a distinguished performance career with a deep commitment to teaching. Lozano’s extensive performance experience includes collaborations with prestigious ensembles such as the Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony and Santa Barbara Symphony.… Continue reading Sal Lozano
Gerald Clayton
A quintessential artist and role model for the next generation of jazz musicians, Gerald Clayton will share his extraordinary talents with USC Thornton students as a 2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence in Jazz. Six-time Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and band leader Gerald Clayton earned recent Recording Academy recognition for Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, his debut release on Blue… Continue reading Gerald Clayton
Michael Mennell
Michael Mennell is a Southern California-based bassist and vocalist. He has maintained a 22-plus year teaching career in Los Angeles, and he continues to mentor young players and singers while maintaining a full schedule of recording sessions, live engagements, and tours. Mennell has recorded with artists including John Fogerty, Billy F. Gibbons, Keith Urban, Joe… Continue reading Michael Mennell
Angelica Cortez
Angelica Cortez (she/her) is a Los Angeles-born arts administrator and educator. She is the executive director of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, where she supports an international community of teachers, artists and leaders who believe in the transformative power of music. She has served as interim president and CEO of El Sistema USA, and… Continue reading Angelica Cortez