
ACADEMICS
Composition
The program offers thorough training in composition, musicianship, theory, analysis, orchestration, counterpoint and electro-acoustic composition.

The USC Thornton Composition program strongly emphasizes performance opportunities for student-composers. Student works are premiered at Thornton Edge new music ensemble concerts, student department showcases and recitals, as well as at the annual New Music for Orchestra concert with the USC Thornton Symphony, an event which has premiered over 150 USC Thornton student orchestral works. The USC Thornton choruses, Thornton Winds ensemble, Percussion ensemble and chamber music program provide composition students with significant reading and performance opportunities as well.
Students who complete the BM, MM or DMA in composition at USC Thornton are given priority consideration for admission to the MM Screen Scoring program, if they apply to the USC Thornton Screen Scoring program within one year of completing the degree in composition. Those wishing to pursue this opportunity are required to meet with the director of the screen scoring program as early as possible in their composition studies at USC Thornton in order to determine which additional courses (typically 7 units or less) they must successfully complete and what other steps they must take, including but not limited to submission of an application.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Music
Composition
4 years | 132 units
The BM in composition is a four-year, 132-unit program consisting of course work in the major (composition, orchestration, counterpoint), core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, keyboard instruction, conducting, large ensemble) and USC’s general education and writing program. A senior recital is required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Graduate Programs
Master of Music
Composition
2 years | 30 units
The MM in composition is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of individual instruction in composition, special topics in graduate composition, course work in music history, ensemble participation and individual instruction in any performance medium. A graduate recital and composition portfolio are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Musical Arts
Composition
65 units
The DMA in composition requires a minimum of 65 units beyond the bachelor’s degree and consists of the following areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, an academic field and two elective fields. One recital and a Dissertation is required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Composition Faculty
The composers on the USC Thornton School of Music faculty are outstanding members of the international musical community, with major commissions, awards, recordings and residencies among the faculty’s many accolades.
Daniel Allas
Composition / Theory & AnalysisCamae Ayewa (Dennis)
CompositionNicolás Lell Benavides
Composition / Theory & AnalysisDan Caputo
Composition / Theory & AnalysisJuan Pablo Contreras
Composition / Theory & AnalysisDonald Crockett
CompositionNeal Desby
Composition / Theory & AnalysisBrian Head
Classical Guitar; Composition / Theory & AnalysisTed Hearne
CompositionVeronika Krausas
Composition / Theory & AnalysisAndrew Norman
CompositionEric Pham
Composition / Theory & AnalysisChris Rozé
Composition / Theory & AnalysisMark Weiser
Composition / Theory & Analysis
Student Ambassadors
The USC Thornton Student Ambassadors are a great point of contact for prospective and admitted students to learn more about the USC Thornton undergraduate experience at the School of Music. To connect with a current ambassador, chat with one of the students below, or email the Thornton Admission Office at uscmusic@usc.edu.
Celebrating Morten Lauridsen
Morten Lauridsen, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition at USC Thornton, discusses his academic legacy with the University of Southern California and his seminal works in choral and sacred music.
This video series was originally produced in the spring of 2016, on the anniversary of his 52-year association with the University of Southern California. Morten Lauridsen retired from USC Thornton in May of 2019.
Spotlights
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Quenton Blache released debut studio recording, “To Whom I Pray”
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Gibson Mahnke’s “Through this ocean glass” premieres at Hear Now Music Festival
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Amanda Nova plays with Yo-Yo Ma at fundraiser celebration for LAUSD instrument repair program
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Tyler Eschendal premiered “ACTIONS” at Lineage Performing Arts Center
