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    • USC THORNTON INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

    Maymester

    USC Thornton students may apply to travel abroad at the end of their spring semester. These brief, immersive sessions known as ‘Maymesters’ allow students to foster cultural appreciation and professional knowledge of our global society.

    Program Requirements

    Academic Details

    Maymesters are 2-unit spring semester courses that travel for 2-3 weeks after graduation. No foreign language component is required.

    Student Eligibility

    Currently enrolled USC Thornton undergraduate students are eligible to apply for participation in the Maymester program.

    Application Timeframe

    Application Opens: October 6, 2025

    Application Closes: October 30, 2025

    Placements Announced: November 17, 2025

    Deadline to Commit: November 21, 2025

    Last Day to Withdraw: January 15, 2026

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2026, focused on London and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUSC 470 | KOBZA & SMITH | 5.17 – 6.02

    The Contemporary Musician: London

    U.S. Departure 5.17.26  | London Arrival 5.18.26 | Program Ends 6.02.26

    Learn on the road and in collaboration with students from a variety of colleges, institutes and universities in Europe’s leading arts, fashion and entertainment center of London, England.

    Students will explore London popular culture as they gain knowledge of songwriting; performance and production; fashion; event and stage management; team building; music direction; leadership and problem solving.

    DETAILS & APPLICATION

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2026, focused on London and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MTEC 499 | SCHMUNK & SMITH | 5.16 – 5.31

    Music Production & Songwriting

    U.S. Departure 5.16.26 | Stockholm Arrival 5.17.26 | Program Ends 5.31.26

    This immersive, project-based course joins students from USC and Stockholm’s Royal College of Music (KMH) for a two-week intensive in songwriting, music production, and cross-cultural collaboration.

    Set in Stockholm, the global hub of pop music innovation, students will be organized into international teams and tasked with writing and producing original songs under real-world, professional conditions.

    DETAILS & APPLICATION

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2026, focused on London and Stockholm. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    MUIN 499 | BLACKMAN | 5.16 – 5.31

    Musical Capitals of the World

    U.S. Departure 5.16.26 | Stockholm Arrival 5.17.26 | Program Ends 5.31.26

    This program offers USC Music Industry students an in-depth exploration of Stockholm’s globally influential music business ecosystem.

    While Los Angeles, New York, and London often dominate conversations about the global music business, Stockholm is widely recognized as one of the most innovative music capitals in the world: home to groundbreaking artists, producers, songwriters, tech startups, and major industry players.

    DETAILS & APPLICATION

    Program Faculty

    The following USC Thornton faculty are involved in the 2026 Maymester programs.

    Headshot of Tim Kobza smiling at the camera.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    Headshot of Richard Smith holding an electric guitar.
    LONDON | MUSC 470
    Rick Schmunk in black shirt looking into camera
    STOCKHOLM | MTEC 499
    Michael Smith seated with a music console behind him.
    STOCKHOLM | MTEC 499
    Amy Blackman backstage.
    STOCKHOLM | MUIN 499

    Maymester Costs

    Tuition is part of the 12-18-unit block rate. Add $2354 per unit above 18. Need-based scholarships available. Financial factors associated with Maymesters are listed below.

    Included Costs:

    Lodging with kitchenette

    Welcome & Farewell Meals

    Subway Pass

    Official Program Excursions

    Additional Costs:

    Airfare & Airport Transfers

    Additional Meals

    USC Health Insurance

    Personal spending money

    Additional costs are estimated; personal situations may vary.

    Financial Aid:

    Students receiving need-based financial aid are eligible for consideration from the Thornton School to support the cost of international programming, like a Maymester course. The application for need-based funding is included with the program application.

    Additionally, students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their aid package are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship. Please visit Gilman’s site for application and details.

    Stay Connected

    Join our mailing list to be notified of general deadlines and travel announcements. Questions regarding Thornton International Exchange Programs can be directed to music.intl@usc.edu.