Led by prominent and internationally distinguished faculty members Ladd Thomas and Cherry Rhodes, students of the USC Thornton School of Music Organ Studies program are richly educated in the performance of all periods of music written for this iconic instrument. Alumni of the program have received grants and awards at local, regional, national and international levels. In addition to their activities as performing artists in the field, the graduates of the organ department occupy significant university, college and church positions.
USC Thornton’s Outstanding Graduates represent the promise of the Class of 2017.
USC Thornton Organ Studies professors Cherry Rhodes and Ladd Thomas share the distinguished American Guild of Organists 2015 Endowment Fund Distinguished Artist Award.
Burton Karson has created a distinguished life in music through his work as a teacher, organist, choir director, and more.
August 9, 2016
Thomas Mellan, a USC Thornton junior double-majoring in Organ Studies and Composition, recently took first place in the keyboard division of the Musical Merit Foundation’s competition for instrumentalists and vocalists, earning the distinction of Fenstermaker Scholar. Mellan, who also took the top prize in the 2015 competition, performed at the… read more
