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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.


Photo of a popular music singer in white concert attire performs on stage holding a microphone.

A series of diverse, live events ushers in the fall 2022 semester at USC Thornton

July 20, 2022

A series of diverse, live events ushers in the 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


USC Thornton alumni and faculty win at 2022 GRAMMY Awards

April 4, 2022

Faculty member Vince Mendoza and alums Grant Gershon, Robert Istad, and Carlos Rafael Rivera are among those who won awards.


Places of Honor

March 10, 2022

Glenn Dicterow and Elizabeth Hynes are recognized with prestigious endowed faculty positions at USC Thornton.


Photo of Miki Turner and Lenny Hayes

That Something Within

February 23, 2022

USC Thornton keyboard studies doctoral student Lenny Hayes partnered with USC Annenberg faculty member Miki Turner in honoring, reimagining century-old Black gospel hymn.


Music students and USC Thornton faculty member Sophie Reeves stand on a football field.

Leading By Example

February 17, 2022

USC Thornton adjunct instructor Sophie Reeves gives students life-changing opportunities to work the Super Bowl and Ye and Drake performance.


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