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    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.

    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.

    Morten Lauridsen
    Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition Morten Lauridsen.
    A man in a black suit conducts an ensemble with his hands on stage

    Contact

    Donald Crockett, chair
    Gordon La Cross, coordinator

    MUS 317
    (213) 740-7416
    lacross@usc.edu