ACADEMICS
Keyboard Collaborative Arts
Established in 1947 by celebrated accompanist Gwendolyn Koldofsky, the USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. With an internationally acclaimed faculty, and graduates who rank among the most notable leaders and innovators in the field of collaboration, the program has remained an influential force for over half a century.
Administered by the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies Department, the USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program nurtures aspiring pianists by enriching and guiding them through their study of collaboration in chamber music, song repertoire and opera. The keyboard collaborative arts faculty welcomes and encourages repertoire composed by marginalized and/or underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women and members of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. In addition to regular study, students may choose to improve their strengths in foreign language diction or opera coaching. Keyboard collaborative arts students are also granted the rare opportunity of interacting with many of the stellar faculty of the USC Thornton School of Music in other performance areas, including keyboard studies, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and vocal arts & opera.
Graduate Programs
Master of Music
Keyboard Collaborative Arts Performance
2 years | 30 units
The MM in keyboard collaborative arts is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of individual instruction in collaborative piano, song interpretation master class, chamber music interpretation master class, interpretation of baroque music and music history. Two graduate recitals are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Musical Arts
Keyboard Collaborative Arts Performance
65 units
The DMA in keyboard collaborative arts 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. Four doctoral recitals are required.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificate
Keyboard Collaborative Arts
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.
Artist Diplomas
Artist Diploma
Keyboard Collaborative Arts
2-3 years | 16 units
This program is designed for young artists of exceptional ability and musical sensitivity who plan careers as solo performers. The Artist Diploma Program provides young artists with the opportunity to devote their full time to concentrated study and practice for the duration of their assigned programs. A minimum of 16 units at the 754 level (from MPEM, MPGU, MPKS, MPST, MPVA or MPWP) and four full-length recitals are required. This program typically requires two to three consecutive years of study for completion.
Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.
Keyboard Collaborative Arts Faculty
Spotlights
see allNews
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Stewart Gordon named 2025 Teacher of the Year by Music Teachers National Association
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Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades
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Seoyon MacDonald’s recording of Prelude and Fugue wins Best Art Film at 2024 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival
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Seoyon MacDonald’s recording of Prelude and Fugue selected for 2024 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival
Contact
Kevin Fitz-Gerald, director of the Keyboard Collaborative Arts program
Kyle Shafiee, coordinator
RMH 104
(213) 740-7703
classical@usc.edu