The USC Thornton Winds & Percussion Department faculty consists of artists and teachers of national and international regard and provides a level of artistic and technical development virtually unmatched in the United States. Emphasis on all aspects of performance, combined with broad musical preparation, produces graduates who are concert artists, recording artists for major motion picture and television studios, performers in major orchestras and ensembles and members of the faculties of music schools throughout the world.

Undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as non-degree certificates, are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Music

Performance – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba or Percussion

4 years | 132 units

The BM in wind and percussion performance is a four-year, 132-unit program consisting of course work in the major (individual instruction, performance class, wind ensemble, chamber music), core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting) and USC’s general education and writing program. A senior recital is required.

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

Graduate & Doctoral Programs

Master of Music

Performance – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba or Percussion

2 years | 30 units

The MM in winds and percussion performance is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of individual instruction, wind ensemble, chamber music, conducting, interpretation of baroque or classical, romantic and twentieth century wind and percussion music, music history and electives. One graduate recital is required.

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

Doctor of Musical Arts

Performance – Percussion or Winds

65 units

The DMA in winds and percussion 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 Certificate & Artist Diplomas

Graduate Certificate

Winds & Percussion

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 Diploma

Winds & Percussion

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.

Minors & Electives

Minor in Musical Studies

18 units

The Musical Studies minor is for students who already have a background in music performance and want to continue to develop their skills. Musical Studies minors have the opportunity to study their instrument in private lessons and participate in ensembles, as well as study music theory and music history. Through the electives, students may explore their own unique musical interests. Students may apply on virtually any instrument, including voice.

How to Apply