Ismael Nascimento wins First Place in Wilson Center Guitar Festival
Brazilian guitarist Ismael Nascimento, a doctoral student in USC Thornton’s Studio Guitar program, won 1st Place in the Jazz category of the 8th Annual Wilson Center Guitar Festival, held online in October. In his winning submissions, Nascimento performed Jazz and Brazilian tunes such as “Ornithology” by Charlie Parker, “Lamentos do Morro” by Aníbal Augusto Sardinha,… Continue reading Ismael Nascimento wins First Place in Wilson Center Guitar Festival
The Yellowjackets release 25th album, Jackets XL
The Yellowjackets, an iconic GRAMMY Award-winning jazz quartet that includes three USC Thornton faculty members – saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, and drummer Will Kennedy – have released their 25th album entitled Jackets XL. The album pairs the talents of the quartet with the WDR Big Band of Cologne, Germany, which Mintzer has led… Continue reading The Yellowjackets release 25th album, Jackets XL
Rozzi featured in Daily Trojan
The Daily Trojan recently featured Popular Music alum Rozzi Crane (BM ‘13), known professionally as Rozzi, in an article about her musical journey as an indie-pop singer. Rozzi is a graduate of the inaugural class of USC Thornton’s Popular Music program. Looking back at her time in the program, Rozzi remembers how the rigorous lessons,… Continue reading Rozzi featured in Daily Trojan
USC Thornton alumni named to Variety’s “Hollywood’s New Leaders” list
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 wins DownBeat Magazine critics poll in trumpet category
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
Jazz Studies students form new jazz-pop group, release debut EP
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 releases debut EP Wild
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 and Daniel Weidlein quoted in article about remote music production
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
Brian Robert Jones talks *NSYNC cover album with Lance Bass
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
Laura Karpman and Ludwig Göransson Win in 2020 Emmy Awards
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