Victoria Kirsch
Jonathan Feldman
Ryan McWilliams
Michael Abels discusses diversity regression at 2025 WSA Film Music Days
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
Solange named Scholar-in-Residence at USC Thornton School of Music
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 joins Pasadena City College as Applied Percussion faculty
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
Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night
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
Benjamin Brecher
Ashlin Hunter