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    ACADEMICS

    Popular Music

    Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the cutting-edge department that’s become the site of Los Angeles’ most productive new music scenes,” the USC Thornton Popular Music Program is redefining what it means to study music in the 21st century. Designed for artists in rock, pop, R&B, folk, Latin and country, this immersive program equips musicians to thrive in today’s fast-evolving industry.

    Unlike traditional classical and jazz programs, our curriculum centers on feel, groove, collaboration and career versatility. Students sharpen their artistry through small-group performance settings, private instruction, and hands-on training in songwriting, arranging, production, studio techniques, and entrepreneurship.

    Since its groundbreaking launch in 2009, the program has earned national acclaim. Our graduates are shaping the sound of contemporary music—headlining world tours, topping charts and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the business. From viral sensations to Grammy-nominated innovators, their impact is heard across genres and generations.

    Now entering a bold new chapter, the program moves forward under the visionary leadership of Dean Jason King, alongside our long-standing faculty who cultivate a culture of excellence, experimentation and artistic authenticity.

    This isn’t just a music degree—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of boundary-breaking musicians, storytellers and cultural leaders.

    Undergraduate Programs

    Bachelor of Music

    Popular Music Performance

    4 years | 132 units

    The BM in popular music is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the performance of popular music. This is a four-year, 132-unit program consisting of course work in the major performance area, core music classes, USC’s general education and writing, as well as electives to take advantage of the offerings of the Thornton School and of the entire university.

    Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.

    Minors & Electives

    Minor in Popular Music Studies


    16 units

    Explore the roots of the music that you know and love and expand your musical horizons. The Popular Music Studies minor is for students whose passion is popular music and who want to delve into the cultural and historical contexts behind the music. Previous musical experience is not required.

    Minor in Songwriting


    20 units

    Songwriting is a craft that you can learn and develop even if you haven’t spent years studying music. This minor offers practical hands-on instruction in the techniques of writing and performing your own original works, the technology to produce your songs, and critical studies in relevant repertoires. You will have opportunities to interact with established songwriters and to have your work showcased in public performances.

    Popular Music Teaching and Learning

    For more than a century, music education programs have prepared elementary, middle and high school teachers to lead marching bands, choirs and orchestras. The last two decades, however, have seen an explosion of new interest from students wanting to perform in pop groups and to learn other aspects of popular music such as songwriting, guitar and digital music production. To fill that need, USC Thornton – who pioneered a highly successful popular music performance program for undergraduates 15 years ago – is offering a new master’s degree in popular music teaching & learning.

    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

    Lyndia Johnson
    Chair, Popular Music

    Darro Chea, coordinator

    TMC 118
    (213) 740-3224
    contemporary.music@usc.edu