Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
By Deanna Gasparyan
USC Thornton students Ella Dunbar-Wilcox and Luke Bell hone their craft under the mentorship of R&B star Dawn Richard.
The USC Thornton Mentorship Program is one of a kind, connecting students with influential music industry professionals in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world—Los Angeles. A typical mentorship session can range from a one-on-one meeting for creative guidance to an immersive experience in one of L.A.’s legendary recording studios. These unique opportunities allow students to learn directly from esteemed mentors at the top of their fields, helping soon-to-be graduates develop their professional skills in the industry through lasting mentorship relationships.
“Mentorship is a really important thing for every student to have access to,” said USC Thornton Dean Jason King, who made this program a signature initiative of the Dean’s Office. “Most professionals in music were mentored by somebody. I would say even beyond music, in the arts in general, having a trusted mentor is what I call the secret to success for working professionals.”
The Mentorship Program is now more accessible than ever, with a customized application process that pairs undergraduate and graduate students with 56 mentors from every corner of the music industry. This roster includes leaders and luminary talents such as Cole MGN, Angela Winbush, Ben Cadwallader, Tina Farris (MFA ‘23, Cinematic Arts), Vince Womack (MMED ‘97), Rob Cavallo (BA ‘85, Dornsife), Makeba Riddick, Kellindo Parker and Ed Eckstine, among others.
Learning From the Best
Ella Dunbar-Wilcox and Luke Bell are two of 75 Thornton students enrolled in the Mentorship Program this year. They were both matched with Dawn Richard, a singer-songwriter-producer and founding member of the R&B girl group Danity Kane. Now a solo artist in the electronic music space, Richard’s discography includes her critically acclaimed albums Blackheart, New Breed, Second Line, and her latest project with multi-instrumentalist Spencer Zahn, Quiet in a World Full of Noise. As a mentor, Richard has unearthed a love for teaching inspired by her work with her students.
“Academia and music played major roles in my home,” said Richard. “There was an understanding that if you’re going to do this art, be amazing at it; understand the theory behind it, the academic and intellectual part, and the entrepreneurial side. I didn’t realize the value of that then, but here I am years later, ironically enough, teaching and mentoring.”
Dawn Richard’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists is evident in her approach to mentorship. In getting to know her students, she has curated a curriculum centered around their specific goals, going beyond the preliminary requirements of the program to provide weekly guidance and share resources. For her, a crucial part of success in the music industry comes from defining one’s artistic identity and sticking to it.
“First you need to know your identity and what kind of artist you want to be. Once you do that, social media can help you in that way, or it can be the mystery of not using it that becomes your brand as well. Branding is key. If you understand who you are, you can use social media as a very lucrative tool not only to promote but also generate income.”
The Journey, Not the Destination
Under this principle, second-year Jazz Studies master’s student Ella Dunbar-Wilcox has expanded her horizons as a progressive jazz artist. While her primary focus is in jazz voice and composition, this process has encouraged her to engage with new music that builds upon her skills. She has also learned more about the entrepreneurial side of being a musician, having worked with Richard to revise her artist bio, develop her website and create a social media presence. When asked about the most valuable part of mentorship so far, she credits Richard for her willingness to share her insights about both music and business.
“The access to someone with that much experience and expertise in her field—seeing videos of her now and thinking, ‘Wow, this is an incredible performer,’” Dunbar-Wilcox said. “Being able to talk about my personal goals, struggles and ideas with someone with that amount of insight is just amazing.”
Luke Bell, a first-year Music Production major, is preparing to release a body of music that reflects his story and brand as a performing artist. Drawing on her connections and expertise, Richard has helped him with everything from setting up photoshoots to navigating requests from music labels. In addition to deepening his industry knowledge, Bell says he has developed a close relationship with his mentor that has made the program especially rewarding.
“It’s a very personal relationship that has almost branched off of the Mentorship Program into a friendship,” Bell said. “She’s someone I can talk to whenever I have questions. She’s constantly trying to find new ways for me to expose myself to the music industry. I mean, she’s amazing.”
Field Trip to Grammy Week
Outside of their individual mentorship sessions, the students have attended open-mic nights and music networking events together. On one special occasion, Richard (a board member of The Recording Academy’s Memphis Chapter) invited them to a Grammy Week celebration in her hometown of New Orleans.
“They got to meet Grammy Award winners and nominees. They were able to mingle and get their feet wet. This was Luke’s first time attending anything like that, so he was able to talk and pitch himself. He met an A&R representative from Universal Republic, managers, and Grammy-nominated artists that were part of the bluegrass and Americana section. A lot of jazz singers were in the building, so Ella felt very much at home because New Orleans has a large jazz community.”
Richard views these types of networking experiences as essential for cultivating community in what can sometimes appear to be a competitive field.
“That’s what the artist community is, and it’s supposed to be that way. That is expected when you talk about community, especially independent artists. We have got to uplift each other because it is very difficult when you are in this industry and you don’t have community. This is my hope for musicians, and I think going to USC, they already have that.”
From collaborating with peers across campus to making a positive impact on surrounding neighborhoods, community-building lies at the heart of being a Trojan. USC’s vibrant community is nurtured by initiatives like the Mentorship Program, which empower students with a strong foundation as they embark on their professional journeys.
Dawn Richard is a New Orleans born trailblazing singer, songwriter, and visual artist whose career spans over a decade of groundbreaking artistry and innovation. Known for her fearless creativity and genre-defying sound, Dawn has earned critical acclaim for her solo music projects, blending R&B, electronic, and pop influences to craft a truly unique sonic identity.
Beyond her artistry, Dawn serves as the Artist Relations Director for the Hip Hop Caucus, where she combines her passion for music and advocacy to amplify social justice initiatives. She has spearheaded campaigns that address climate justice, voting rights, and economic equity, collaborating with artists and organizations to create impactful, culture-shifting work.
As a mentor for USC’s mentorship program, Dawn brings her deep industry knowledge and personal experience as an artist navigating the entertainment world. She is committed to empowering students to embrace their individuality, hone their craft, and explore how art can be a powerful vehicle for change.
Dawn’s unique journey as both a celebrated performer and a cultural advocate inspires the next generation to dream boldly and create fearlessly.
