
Artist-Teachers
Alumni like Ryan Williams are ushering in the future of K-12 music education while gaining tools in Thornton’s new Master’s degree to better navigate their classrooms.

Open Ears, Open Minds
The new degree in K-12 Contemporary Teaching Practice teaches from within each genre, from songwriting and hip hop production to traditional band repertoire.

Careers In Community Music
The emerging field of community music champions music as an agent for positive change in nontraditional settings, from after-school programs to music education for seniors.

A Growing Need for Community Music
USC Thornton alumna Catherine Cooper launched a music education program for underprivileged students in central California.

Teaching Music in Today’s Schools
From directing a middle school orchestra to leading contemporary music projects, alumnus Jim Wang exemplifies the values of USC Thornton’s new K-12 Contemporary Teaching Practice degree.
USC Thornton Launches Five New Professional Graduate Programs

A Better Music Industry
Senior Alvin Liang recently won USC Stevens Institute’s Best Business Concept Award for a music industry app he created, one of many students using tech to launch careers.

Transforming the Landscape of Teacher Education in Music
Peter Webster, scholar in residence in the department of Music Teaching and Learning, reflects on the school’s bold plan to transform music education.

Choir Festival Brings Students Together
The choir festival is the culminating project for elementary school students who are part of the USC Thornton Community Engagement Program.

The Multifaceted Task of Transforming Music Teacher Education
Judy Lewis, director of the K-12 Contemporary Teaching Practice master’s degree program, reflects on USC Thornton’s bold plan to transform music teacher education.