Posts Tagged ‘Contemporary Music Division’


Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book

February 9, 2017

Jazz violinist and USC Thornton alumna Nora Germain (’14) recently authored a book entitled, Go For It… Surviving the Challenges of Becoming an Artist. Presented as vignettes from Germain’s professional life story, the book strives to encourage young artists to find their entrepreneurial spirit. In a video on her website, Germain said, “I discuss issues… Continue reading Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book


MUNA performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live

February 7, 2017

The band MUNA was featured on the February 6th episode of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing two songs from their latest album, “About U.” Formed by USC Thornton Popular Music alumni Katie Gavin (BA ’15) and Josette Maskin (’16), along with Naomi McPherson, the band caught the world’s attention with their 2016 single, “Loudspeaker.” MUNA… Continue reading MUNA performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live


Paul Jackson, Jr.

February 6, 2017

GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. is Adjunct Assistant Professor with USC Thornton’s Popular Music Program.


Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane to perform at Hotel Cafe

January 31, 2017

USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane will perform at Hotel Cafe’s Second Stage in Los Angeles as part of a spring residency. Crane, who was part of the Popular Music program’s inaugural class, is scheduled to perform February 2, March 2, April 6, and May 4. Best known for her single Psycho, which she… Continue reading Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane to perform at Hotel Cafe


Popular Music alumna Malia Civetz sings National Anthem at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

January 27, 2017

USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Malia Civetz (BM ’16) recently sang the National Anthem at the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Earlier this year, Civetz performed Steve Hackman’s mash-up of rapper Drake’s music and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky V. Drake with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She will reprise Hackman’s piece on March 22 with the… Continue reading Popular Music alumna Malia Civetz sings National Anthem at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl


Alumnus Jacques Brautbar featured in KQED’s “Film School Shorts”

January 25, 2017

USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumnus Jacques Brautbar (’15, GCRT ’16, Screen Scoring) was recently profiled by “Film School Shorts,” a national series showcasing student filmmakers by San Francisco’s KQED Public Television. In the piece, Brautbar recounts his non-traditional career path and provides valuable insight into the balance between creative artistry and effective collaboration in the… Continue reading Alumnus Jacques Brautbar featured in KQED’s “Film School Shorts”


USC Thornton faculty and musicians attending music education camp in Brazil

January 17, 2017

USC Thornton Dean Robert Cutietta is currently attending GLOMUS, a gathering of international music and arts education professionals in Natal, Brazil, along with several Thornton students and faculty. The biennial event, which is hosted by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, aims to “create a forum for intercultural exchange in the fields of… Continue reading USC Thornton faculty and musicians attending music education camp in Brazil


Brian Robert Jones

Bassist Brian Robert Jones joins Gwen Stefani on the road

January 13, 2017

Bassist Brian Robert Jones (BM ’15), an alumnus of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, recently performed with singer Gwen Stefani at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The special engagement followed Stefani’s 28 city “This Is What The Truth Feels Like” tour, on which Jones performed from July through October of 2016.… Continue reading Bassist Brian Robert Jones joins Gwen Stefani on the road


Lawrence Shragge

January 6, 2017

Screen Scoring faculty member Lawrence Shragge has spent a lifetime studying film and examining the emotional impact of music in the movies. His successes include two Emmy Nominations for Outstanding Music Composition and composing the score to over 160 movies and television shows, including the award-winning Anne of Green Gables.


Michael Stever

January 6, 2017

Jazz trumpeter and composer Michael Stever teaches at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. An alumnus of the school, Stever has performed widely, most notably as lead/solo trumpet for the “Mancini at the Movies” tour, and has recorded with Steve Miller, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal, and Eric Darius. As a composer, Michael… Continue reading Michael Stever