In a continued commitment to reimagining music education in the 21st Century, the USC Thornton School of Music is proud to unveil four new and innovative non-performance masters degree programs. These professional degrees respond to a music industry and music education climate undergoing seismic changes.
Faculty committees meticulously designed each professional masters degree according to the skills and knowledge needed by today’s artists in the areas of entrepreneurship, business administration, and music learning. “We are trying to innovate our way ahead of the changes,” said Robert Cutietta, dean of USC Thornton. “Master’s degrees traditionally expand what you learn as an undergraduate. These five programs are designed to teach students new skills and to take their passions for a wide variety of music and turn them into new ways to imagine a contemporary music career.”
Click here to read more about the development of our new professional degrees. To learn which degree is right for you, explore the exciting new programs below.
- ARTS LEADERSHIP (MS)
The two-semester Master of Science degree is designed for early and mid-career arts professionals who want to expand their personal vision of leadership and create a life and career in the arts. With close faculty mentorship, graduates go on to lead their own ensembles, programs and arts organizations.
- COMMUNITY MUSIC (MM)
Combining skillsets in music education, community engagement, and advocacy, the four-semester Master of Music in Community Music is focused on bringing music instruction and performance into non-traditional settings. It’s a growing career option for musicians looking to move beyond the classroom or concert stage to explore fulfilling, service-oriented work.
- MUSIC INDUSTRY (MS)
The Master of Science in Music Industry is designed to offer students the entrepreneurial skills, insights, and industry exposure necessary to make waves professionally. Featuring small class sizes, the 18-month program, with the possible inclusion of summer coursework, includes a semester-long mentorship and opportunities to work with established professionals.
- SCREEN SCORING (MM)
The two-semester Master of Music in Screen Scoring degree is widely recognized as one of the world’s finest programs for musical composition in visual media. With a faculty comprised of working professionals in the film, television, and video-game industries, the program offers its participants unrivaled practical experience and industry connections.