Major: BS Music Industry
Minor: Songwriting
Graduation year: 2021
Hometown: Venice, CA
USC Organizations: The FAM; Concert Committees; Remedy Through Music (RTHM)
Hashtag to describe yourself: #coffeerunningthroughmyveins
Describe your favorite USC Thornton experience so far.
In December, USC Thornton gave me the opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of our Lives followed with an interview of Clive Davis himself. Held at the GRAMMY Museum, I was able to understand the emphasis Davis had and still has on the music industry. His success and ability to find relevant, yet interesting talent and songs, despite the constantly evolving industry and pop sound, inspires me to always be open to new ideas in music and look in places I might not always expect to find hits.
What was your favorite USC GE class?
Introduction to Latin American and Iberian Studies.
What is your favorite thing about being in Los Angeles?
There is always something to do. More specifically, because we are in the Entertainment Capital, I can always count on something musical happening as well. A friend could be playing a show at a music venue around town or events being hosted from Jazz Nights to LACMA to Classical Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
What is something you wish you knew when you were applying to college?
I am lucky that I ended up at the perfect school for who I am; however, it would have been easier on myself if I evaluated university programs based on how I saw myself maximizing the programs to their fullest. For example, by choosing the music industry major at Thornton, I am able to balance my schedule with production and songwriting classes while still getting the business side that will help leverage me in the future. Narrowing my needs made me minimize the schools I was applying for; yet, I was able to also target a program that I absolutely wanted to invest in to grow into my vision of a versatile music professional. Ultimately, being decisive in your application of schools helps reaffirm the reasons for selecting colleges and can give you more time to express your passion when you target specific programs.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
The Mudd Hall Philosophy Library.
What is your favorite thing about being a student at the Thornton School?
My favorite thing about being a Thornton student is getting to meet some of the coolest people. Not only does this include music professionals and famous artists, but some really talented classmates who become your life-long friends.
Why did you choose the Thornton School?
I chose the Thornton School due to its location in Los Angeles, being in the center of the entertainment capital. However, I also favored Thornton as it finds importance in maintaining one’s mental, physical and emotional health by offering musician health and wellness programs. I also liked the versatility of the Music Industry major being able to mold it into fitting my interests while gaining the resources I wanted to become an educated music professional. The Trojan spirit was also very contagious when meeting professors, students and staff on my “Explore USC” day. Unlike other schools, I felt welcomed and encouraged by other to learn and grow at Thornton.