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Black and white photograph of composer & poet Camae Ayewa.

Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize

April 19, 2024

USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) won a Chanel Next Prize for her work in music and poetry. The biennial Chanel Next Prize is awarded to 10 contemporary artists in various disciplines around the world who “are defining what is new and next in contemporary art and culture.” The winners receive… Continue reading Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize


Luciana Souza wearing a red blouse and looking towards the camera while sitting.

Luciana Souza featured in November 2023 issue of DownBeat Magazine

November 8, 2023

USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Luciana Souza was on the cover of DownBeat Magazine for their November 2023 issue. In this issue, the Brazil-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer discussed her collaboration with the renowned Trio Corrente on her new album, Cometa. Photo courtesy of Luciana Souza.


Piano Technician Service Request

July 13, 2023

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Image collage of musicians and students from a year in review at USC Thornton.

2022-2023 Year in Review

May 8, 2023

Looking back on a remarkable year at USC Thornton.


Photo of Paul Cornish smiling in a dark suit inside a piano bar.

Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series

January 18, 2023

USC Thornton jazz studies alumnus Paul Cornish (BM ‘18) was featured in the American Pianists Association’s short documentary series ‘A Day in the Life’ that follows the 2023 American Pianists Award finalists. The newest segment, released Oct. 18, follows Cornish in Los Angeles and how he prepares for gigs and competitions, beginning piano, performing with… Continue reading Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series


Graphic illustration of a music treble clef surrounded by colors.

Fall 2022 Semester in Review

December 12, 2022

Looking back on an amazing fall 2022 semester at USC Thornton.


Portrait of Dean Robert Cutietta

April 12: Meet the New Faculty: Seth Parker Woods

April 18, 2022

Dear Thornton Community, USC Thornton is introducing a number of exceptional new faculty members to the school this semester, and I’d like to introduce acclaimed cellist Dr. Seth Parker Woods who joins the faculty as an assistant professor of practice, string chamber music and cello. A recipient of the 2022 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee… Continue reading April 12: Meet the New Faculty: Seth Parker Woods


February 11: USC Thornton Returns to In-Person Performances

February 14, 2022

Dear Thornton Community, As the 2022 spring semester gets underway, USC Thornton students are preparing for a return to live performances, and I’m proud to announce that all departmental and ensemble events are open to in-person, limited capacity audiences.  After months of not being able to accommodate live audiences for the 100+ events we present… Continue reading February 11: USC Thornton Returns to In-Person Performances


Portrait of Dean Robert Cutietta

January 8: Spring 2022 Restart Update

January 10, 2022

Dear Thornton Students: Happy New Year to each of you.  I hope your holidays were filled with joy and time with loved ones.  I look forward to welcoming you all back to campus sometime soon. The start of the new year coincides with a challenging phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I write to you with… Continue reading January 8: Spring 2022 Restart Update


2024 Live Online Auditions

December 15, 2021

The following information is for fall 2024 applicants to the Thornton School of Music who are invited for a live online audition. All online auditions will take place live online via Zoom.  Please review the information below regarding policies, procedures, and logistics. If you have questions, please contact the Thornton Admission Office. Online Audition Format… Continue reading 2024 Live Online Auditions