ACADEMICS
Jazz Studies
As one of the nation’s first stand-alone jazz studies programs, the USC Thornton School of Music helped shape the modern academic study of jazz. Today, the USC Thornton Jazz Studies department combines a rich legacy with a forward-looking curriculum, preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving global music industry.
Guided by a world-renowned faculty of acclaimed performers, composers, and educators, students develop artistic, technical, and entrepreneurial skills needed for successful careers. USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumni have become influential artists, educators, and industry leaders, making significant contributions to jazz and popular music around the world.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Music
Jazz Studies (instrumental and vocal)
4 years | 132 units
The BM in Jazz Studies is a four-year, 132-unit program, consisting of courses in the major, including individual instruction, theory, history, ensembles, and related topics, coupled with the University’s general education and writing programs. The program culminates with a senior recital or senior project.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Graduate & Doctoral Programs
Master of Music
Jazz Studies
2 years | 30 units
The MM in Jazz Studies is a two-year, 30-unit program, focusing on individual jazz instruction, jazz composition, jazz pedagogy, jazz ensemble development, and ensembles, coupled with traditional music history. Two graduate recitals are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Doctor of Musical Arts
Jazz Studies
65 units
The DMA in jazz studies 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. Two recitals and a Lecture-recital in conjunction with an appropriate research project are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate
Jazz Studies
2 years | 16 units
The Graduate Certificate in performance is a two-year, 16-unit program consisting of individual instruction, studio class, and two ensembles, or the equivalent thereof, each semester. This graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Minors & Electives
Minor in Jazz Studies
21 units
The Jazz Studies minor is for students who already play jazz and want to continue to expand their musical experience. Through jazz improvisation, theory, and history classes, as well as private lessons and ensembles, students will gain the tools necessary to perform at a high level.
Jazz Faculty
David Arnay
PianoGerald Clayton
PianoJason Goldman
SaxophoneKathleen Grace
Vocal ArtsAlex Hahn
SaxophoneJon Hatamiya
TromboneWill Kennedy
Edwin Livingston
BassRonald C. McCurdy
TrumpetVince Mendoza
CompositionJosh Nelson
PianoDarek Oles
BassClarence Penn
PercussionBob Reynolds
SaxophoneOtmaro Ruiz
PianoAarón Serfaty
PercussionLuciana Souza
Jazz voiceMichael Stever
TrumpetKatie Thiroux
Bass, jazz voice
Student Ambassadors
The USC Thornton Student Ambassadors are currently enrolled undergraduate students at the School of Music. They are a great point of contact for prospective and admitted students to learn more about the USC Thornton undergraduate experience. To connect with a current ambassador, chat with one of the students below, or email the Thornton Admission Office at uscmusic@usc.edu.
Contact
Jason Goldman, chair
TMC 118
(213) 740-3224
contemporary.music@usc.edu