Posts Tagged ‘Contemporary Music Division’


Side by side images of Ludwig Goransson and Justin Lubliner

USC Thornton alumni named to Variety’s “Hollywood’s New Leaders” list

October 12, 2020

USC Thornton alumni Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ‘08) and Justin Lubliner (BS ‘12) were named two of Hollywood’s New Leaders by Variety. The list showcases the newest generation of leaders and change-makers across the entertainment industry under the age of 40, including agents, creatives, producers, and more. Lubliner is recognized for his achievements as the founder… Continue reading USC Thornton alumni named to Variety’s “Hollywood’s New Leaders” list


Ambrose Akinmusire in dark sweater with orange backdrop

Ambrose Akinmusire wins DownBeat Magazine critics poll in trumpet category

October 6, 2020

USC Thornton Jazz Studies alum Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) was voted top trumpeter in DownBeat Magazine’s 2020 Critics Poll. Each year, Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll recognizes the top jazz musicians and artists in the music world and names rising stars within the jazz community. The recognition comes after the acclaimed musician released a new album… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire wins DownBeat Magazine critics poll in trumpet category


Album cover art featuring repeated images of flower blossoms and the name "Avellana"

Jazz Studies students form new jazz-pop group, release debut EP

October 1, 2020

A quartet of undergraduate students in USC Thornton’s Jazz Studies program came together to form new jazz-pop group Avellana, and released their debut EP of the same name on Sept. 18. The group is comprised of vocalist Hazle Thunes (BA ‘22), pianist Austen Mendoza (BM ‘22), bassist Dario Bizio (BM ‘23), and drummer Carter Boyle… Continue reading Jazz Studies students form new jazz-pop group, release debut EP


Carly Rose sitting on table in a diner and laughing

Carly Rose releases debut EP Wild

September 29, 2020

Singer-songwriter Carly Rose, an undergraduate student in the Music Industry program, released her debut EP Wild, which features recently released singles “Song of the Summer” and title track “Wild,” a collaboration with singer Goody Grace. “Writing is a form of therapy for me so what I write about is all the stuff that I need… Continue reading Carly Rose releases debut EP Wild


Rick Schmunk in black shirt looking into camera

Rick Schmunk and Daniel Weidlein quoted in article about remote music production

September 29, 2020

Rick Schmunk, chair of USC Thornton’s Music Technology Program, and Jazz Studies alum Daniel Weidlein (BM ‘12) offered their thoughts on music education and production during the pandemic in a recent article on MajoringinMusic.com. Schmunk says that for students of music production and technology, the skills they learn in the classroom give them a leg… Continue reading Rick Schmunk and Daniel Weidlein quoted in article about remote music production


Album cover art with drawing of Brian Robert Jones lying on a bed surrounded by band posters and listening to music

Brian Robert Jones talks *NSYNC cover album with Lance Bass

September 24, 2020

Brian Robert Jones (BM ‘15), an alum of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, recently released No Strings Attached, an *NSYNC cover album celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s 2000 album of the same name. The album is filled with fresh takes on the original album’s iconic hits, and features appearances by some of… Continue reading Brian Robert Jones talks *NSYNC cover album with Lance Bass


Side by side images of Ludwig Goransson and Laura Karpman

Laura Karpman and Ludwig Göransson Win in 2020 Emmy Awards

September 21, 2020

USC Thornton’s celebrated Screen Scoring program had a good showing at the 2020 Emmy Awards on Sept. 20. Thornton faculty member Laura Karpman and alum Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ‘08) both won awards. Laura Karpman, a faculty member in the Screen Scoring program, won in the category of Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or… Continue reading Laura Karpman and Ludwig Göransson Win in 2020 Emmy Awards


Many musicians with string insruments stand together in a white room

Thornton artists awarded San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards

September 17, 2020

Multiple USC Thornton artists and alumni-founded ensembles were awarded San Francisco Classical Voice’s Audience Choice Awards for the 2019-2020 season. This year was the first-ever Audience Choice Awards with a category dedicated to celebrating the vibrant classical music scene in Los Angeles. HOCKET, the piano duo of alumni Sarah Gibson (MM ‘10, DMA ‘15) and… Continue reading Thornton artists awarded San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards


Album cover with images of two people standing together with text "Rozzi: Best Friend Song"

Rozzi Releases new single, “Best Friend Song”

September 15, 2020

USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane (BM ’13), known professionally as Rozzi, released her new single “Best Friend Song” on August 14 with S-Curve Records. The song is a fun and lighthearted friendship anthem dedicated to her best friend Tatti. “Quarantine has made me realize how much I’ve taken friendship for granted. I hope… Continue reading Rozzi Releases new single, “Best Friend Song”


Black and white image of Nick Stoubis

Nick Stoubis featured on new release by Jaden Smith

September 10, 2020

Nick Stoubis, chair of the Studio Guitar program, is featured on CTV3 (Cool Tape Vol. 3), the new release by Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Stoubis co-wrote and co-produced seven songs, including the song “Falling for You” featuring Justin Bieber, and the single “Rainbow Bap.” In addition, Stoubis played guitar and… Continue reading Nick Stoubis featured on new release by Jaden Smith