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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 and graduate students are eligible to apply for participation in the Maymester program.

    Application Timeframe

    Open: November 6, 2023

    Close: November 20, 2023 at 5PM PT

    Notifications: December 11, 2023


    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2024, focused on Paris and London. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    Professional Music Capitals: London

    May 19-28, 2024 | MUIN 499 | Andrew Leff

    Learn the importance of a music industry beyond the United States.

    Students will become familiar with the robust and distinct London market as they meet music industry professionals and companies. The course will explore songwriting; artist management; record production; A&R and live performance.  

    MAYMESTER APPLICATION

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2024, focused on Paris and London. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    The Contemporary Musician: London

    May 15-31, 2024 | MUSC 470 | Kobza & Smith

    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.

    MAYMESTER APPLICATION

    Programs Offered

    Three courses will be offered in May of 2024, focused on Paris and London. Scroll through for complete list of offerings.

    Paris Music Production

    May 15-30, 2024 | MTEC 499 | Schmunk & Smith

    Learn standard practices and techniques used in recording classical music ensembles both in the studio and on location, offered in collaboration with the Paris Conservatory.

    Discussions and recording sessions will focus on instrument-microphone pairings and placement; section and room miking techniques; concert stage and hall acoustics; and recording systems for remote recording.

    MAYMESTER APPLICATION

    Program Faculty

    The following USC Thornton faculty are involved in the 2024 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
    PARIS | MTEC 499
    Michael Smith seated with a music console behind him.
    PARIS | MTEC 499
    Portrait of Andrew Leff outdoors.
    LONDON | MUIN 499

    Maymester Costs

    Tuition is part of the 12-18-unit block rate. Add $2,244 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.