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 a forward‑thinking music degree for artists working across rock, pop, R&B, folk, Latin, country, and emerging hybrid genres. Positioned at the intersection of artistry, industry, and innovation, the program is built for musicians whose creative identities extend beyond the boundaries of traditional classical and jazz training.

Rooted in Los Angeles and deeply connected to today’s music ecosystem, the Popular Music Program reflects the realities of the 21st‑century music profession. Students are immersed in a collaborative, high‑level creative environment that emphasizes musical excellence, stylistic fluency, and professional preparedness. Through hands‑on performance, critical listening, and historical study, students develop a deep respect for tradition while learning how to move culture forward.

Coursework explores the language, feel, and groove that define popular music across eras and styles, while small ensemble performance settings foster collaboration, leadership, and artistic voice. Alongside ensemble work, students pursue focused study in their primary area through private instruction, allowing for highly individualized artistic development.

Career‑centered training is woven throughout the curriculum. Students gain real‑world experience in performance, songwriting and arranging, recording and studio workflow, music production, and entrepreneurship—preparing them not only to enter the industry, but to shape it. At USC Thornton, we believe that musical integrity, compelling artistry, and commercial relevance are not competing values. In the Popular Music Program, they coexist—fueling a generation of artists who are technically grounded, creatively fearless, and professionally equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.