Steven Becknell
Author of the groundbreaking book for horn, Etudes from the Repertoire, Steven Becknell has had an extremely varied and unique career in Southern California. At age 22, Becknell moved to Los Angeles to study with Hollywood studio legend Vince DeRosa at USC and began working professionally while still in school. He has played in orchestras… Continue reading Steven Becknell
Bing Wang
Violinist Bing Wang joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as associate concertmaster in 1994. She previously held the position of principal second violin of the Cincinnati Symphony, and she has served on the faculty and as concertmaster at the Aspen Music Festival and School since 2003. Since 2009, she has served as guest concertmaster of the… Continue reading Bing Wang
Ben Hong
Cellist Ben Hong joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1993 at age 24 as a section player and six months later, he won the assistant principal cello position. He currently serves as associate principal cello, appointed by LA Phil Music Director Gustavo Dudamel in 2015. Hong also performs frequently as a soloist and as a… Continue reading Ben Hong
Glenn Dicterow
After more than three decades of service as concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, Glenn Dicterow joined the faculty of the USC Thornton School of Music in 2013 as the first holder of the Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music, forging a new chapter in a distinguished, multifaceted career. In March 2022, he… Continue reading Glenn Dicterow
Martin Chalifour
Please note: Martin Chalifour will not accept new students for the fall 2023 semester. Martin Chalifour has been principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1995. A native of Québec, Canada, Chalifour received many grants and awards in his native land from an early age, but came to wide prominence upon receiving a Certificate… Continue reading Martin Chalifour
Lina Bahn
Lina Bahn is a violinist who has a keen interest in collaborative and innovative repertoire, and has been called “brilliant” and “lyrical” by the Washington Post. Her most recent publication of Mean Fiddle Summer on the Naxos Label was hailed by the ClevelandClassical.com, “From start to finish, the violinist demonstrates her adroit technical facility, kaleidoscope of colors, and consummate… Continue reading Lina Bahn
Stephen Pierce
South African-born pianist Stephen Pierce enjoys a multi-faceted career as a respected teacher, presenter, performer, adjudicator and scholar. At the USC Thornton School of Music, he oversees the secondary piano and keyboard pedagogy programs and teaches applied piano, courses in piano pedagogy and keyboard literature. Pierce also teaches piano privately in Pasadena, CA, and at Interlochen… Continue reading Stephen Pierce
Cristian Grases
Cristian Grases joined the USC Thornton faculty in the Fall 2010 semester and is currently an associate professor of choral music and conductor of the USC Thornton Concert Choir. Born in Venezuela, he earned degrees from the Simón Bolívar University (MM) in Caracas, Venezuela, and the University of Miami (DMA). He has previously served as interim director… Continue reading Cristian Grases
Percussion students and alumni join Los Angeles Philharmonic for Varèse’s Amériques
Winds & Percussion faculty James Babor, acting principal timpanist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, brought in a group of current students and alumni to join the orchestra in performances of Varèse’s monumental Amériques on Nov. 6, 7, and 9. Esa-Pekka Salonen led the orchestra through three performances that featured the work of video artist Refik… Continue reading Percussion students and alumni join Los Angeles Philharmonic for Varèse’s Amériques
Cynthia Munzer leads Lung Force Walk; named artistic director of Musiktheater Bavaria
USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty Cynthia Munzer led and completed the inaugural Lung Force Walk in Los Angeles on November 1. Sponsored by the American Lung Association, the event supported a nationwide initiative against lung cancer. Munzer spoke about the importance of raising awareness for lung cancer and working to focus resources on lunch cancer… Continue reading Cynthia Munzer leads Lung Force Walk; named artistic director of Musiktheater Bavaria