People


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

quartet of panelists conversing on plush couches

Michael Abels discusses diversity regression at 2025 WSA Film Music Days

October 27, 2025

USC Thornton alumnus and founder Michael Abels (‘84), Sandro Morales-Santoro and Amritha Vaz of Composers Diversity Collective (CDC) spoke at a panel at the Music Days at Film Fest Gent. Winners of the World Soundtrack Awards Industry Award, which recognizes meaningful contribution in the film music industry, the CDC aims to overcome barriers of cultural… Continue reading Michael Abels discusses diversity regression at 2025 WSA Film Music Days


Black-and-white portrait of Solange

Solange named Scholar-in-Residence at USC Thornton School of Music

October 21, 2025

Solange is named USC Thornton’s first Scholar-in-Residence, joining the Dean’s Creative Vanguard program. Recognized as a Grammy-winning artist, she is a true multi-hyphenate whose work explores music, choreography, design, architecture, visual art and more. Most recently, free libraries to conserve rare black and brown literature were launched through her multidisciplinary institution Saint Heron. Solange announced… Continue reading Solange named Scholar-in-Residence at USC Thornton School of Music


Kana Funayama posed with a Yamaha marimba

Kana Funayama joins Pasadena City College as Applied Percussion faculty

October 8, 2025

Kana Funayama (ARTD ’25), acclaimed marimbist, percussionist and collaborator, has been appointed as a faculty member in Applied Percussion at Pasadena City College (PCC). Her extensive teaching background includes delivering masterclasses and guest lessons at leading institutions such as the USC Thornton School of Music, in addition to serving as percussion faculty at California State… Continue reading Kana Funayama joins Pasadena City College as Applied Percussion faculty


three artists stand in front of lamplights

Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night

September 24, 2025

On Sept. 12, USC Thornton undergraduate students Taylor Lee and Quinn Sims opened for former USC Thornton jazz studies faculty member Roy McCurdy at LACMA’s Jazz Night, where McCurdy was honored with the L.A. Jazz Treasure Award. The Taylor Lee Trio features pianist Taylor Lee, bassist Quinn Sims and drummer Ishaan Natarajan. In 2024, Lee… Continue reading Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night


Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Benjamin Brecher

September 15, 2025

Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Ashlin Hunter

September 15, 2025

Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Heather Moore

September 15, 2025