Faculty

Sharon Lavery is Resident Conductor of the Thornton Symphony and Thornton Winds at the USC Thornton School of Music and Chair of the Winds and Percussion Department. Her work spans orchestral performance, education and artistic leadership, with a focus on connecting professional practice and academic training. Known for her passionate and insightful interpretations, Lavery serves as music director of the Downey Symphony Orchestra.

Her conducting work includes guest appearances with orchestras in the United States and internationally, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, San Bernardino Symphony and La Jolla Symphony. Lavery has also worked with ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic Brass Ensemble and has held various conducting roles with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Pasadena Symphony and the Herbert Zipper Orchestra of Los Angeles. Her projects extend to professional recordings and collaborations across performance and media. At USC, Lavery leads major ensembles and teaches instrumental conducting, mentoring the next generation of performers and educators. 

Her advocacy in music education includes conducting All-State ensembles and serving on the faculty of programs such as the Interlochen Arts Camp and the International Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Originally from Ossining, New York, Lavery earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Michigan State University, a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the USC Thornton School of Music, where she was awarded the Leonard Bernstein Memorial Scholarship.