Thom Mason featured in article about Jelly Roll Morton
Thom Mason, professor and founder of the Jazz Studies department at USC Thornton, was featured in an article by LA Downtown News. He spoke about the legacy of jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton. “[Morton] deserves more recognition than we tend to give him today,” Mason said in the article, which profiles a recent theatrical piece… Continue reading Thom Mason featured in article about Jelly Roll Morton
Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
The rock band Kiven, which features several USC Thornton alumni, recently completed a series of performances opening for the indie rock group Sad Robot. Kiven is comprised of alumni Daniel Schnair (BA ’11), Tyler Demorest (BS ’11), Jake Reed (MM ’10, DMA ’13) and USC alumnus Matt Cohen (BS ’11). The band released its debut… Continue reading Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Music composed by USC Thornton Jazz Studies professor Ron McCurdy served as a backdrop for Dreaming of Harlem Under a Southern Sky, a new play by Gabrielle Pina that premiered at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on March 28th. The play, which tells the story of three women from New Orleans who travel to Harlem during the… Continue reading Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Students join band for late night TV performances
USC Thornton students Dan Fox (BM ’15), Jeremy Trezona and Greg Johnson (MM ’12, DMA) performed on two late night TV shows recently with the band Saint Motel. They appeared on the March 24th episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the April 7th episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden. A clip of… Continue reading Students join band for late night TV performances
Melissa Manchester featured in New York Times review
USC Thornton Popular Music professor and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Melissa Manchester was featured in a New York Times review of her recent performance at Manhattan’s 54 Below nightclub. Her twentieth album, You Gotta Love the Life, was released in February and features guest performances by artists such as Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and Al Jarreau.… Continue reading Melissa Manchester featured in New York Times review
Paul Young interviewed about music licensing for independent artists
Paul Young, director of the USC Thornton Music Industry Minors program, was interviewed about the nuances of music licensing and artist marketing for the Bands Rising podcast and website, led by host Tony Cook. Young discussed the changing business dynamics faced by independent musicians, noting that “marketing is the one thing that I think survives… Continue reading Paul Young interviewed about music licensing for independent artists
Alumni-produced film scoring documentary exceeds fundraising goals
“The Score,” a documentary film being produced in collaboration between USC Thornton and Annenberg School of Communication alum Trevor Thompson and notable alumni from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, recently secured over $120,000 in a Kickstarter fundraising campaign. The project exceeded its initial crowd-funding goal by over 200% and will begin pre-production. In an… Continue reading Alumni-produced film scoring documentary exceeds fundraising goals
Alan Chan leads his ensemble in performance at El Camino College
USC Thornton alumni Alan Chan (DMA ’08), founder of the Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra, led the group in a performance at the El Camino College Center for Performing Arts on March 6. The band’s debut album Shrimp Tale received rave reviews from several critics. “Quick, clever, and well-executed shifts in mood, meter, and musical language… Continue reading Alan Chan leads his ensemble in performance at El Camino College
Popular Music students take center stage at T.C. Boyle celebration
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Paul Young of music industry program provides insight into “Blurred Lines” verdict
ABC7 Eyewitness News sat down with USC Thornton professor Paul Young, director of the music industry minors program, for an expert analysis of the legal battle between Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and the family of Marvin Gaye. Young, a former executive and producer with Universal Music Group, provided insight into the business implications for the… Continue reading Paul Young of music industry program provides insight into “Blurred Lines” verdict