The USC Thornton Music Industry program prepares students to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the music business. Located in Los Angeles, the center of the music, entertainment, media, and technology industries, the program combines rigorous academic study with experiential education, leadership development, industry mentorship, and unparalleled industry access within one of the world’s most influential entertainment communities.

Students explore all facets of today’s evolving music ecosystem, including artist management, live entertainment, music law, branding, marketing, and partnerships, music supervision, publishing, entrepreneurship, and emerging business models. Through academically rigorous, industry-engaged coursework, students develop the strategic, creative, analytical, and professional skills necessary to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

Beyond the classroom, students gain real-world experience through internships, industry partnerships, networking opportunities, and curated mentorship programs featuring leading professionals across the music business. Students are encouraged to develop not only technical and business expertise, but also the leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills necessary to navigate and influence an increasingly complex and fast-changing industry.

As part of the USC community, students benefit from an internationally recognized university, a powerful and expansive alumni network, and interdisciplinary opportunities across USC’s renowned schools of business, cinematic arts, communications, and law.

USC Thornton’s Music Industry faculty is composed of influential executives, attorneys, producers, promoters, music supervisors, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders actively working across today’s music and entertainment industries. Faculty and industry mentors include Kevin Lyman, Michael Garcia, Andrew Leff, Andrae Alexander, Bobby Borg, Amy Blackman, Alexandra Nickson, Jonathan Azu, and many others, providing students with professional insight into the evolving realities of today’s music business. Graduates emerge with the experience, perspective, and professional network necessary to thrive in today’s music and entertainment landscape.