
Troy Quinn to conduct Boston Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve celebration
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, will make his Boston Symphony Orchestra debut conducting their New Year’s Eve celebration with singer Bernadette Peters. Taking place on Dec. 31 at 8:00 p.m., the concert will feature Broadway classics and more. Click here to buy tickets. *** Photo courtesy of TristateHomepage.com.

Seth Parker Woods appointed Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music at USC Thornton
Seth Parker Woods has been appointed by the USC Provost as the new holder of the Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music at the USC Thornton School of Music. Woods has been a USC Thornton Strings faculty member since the fall of 2022. He also serves as the founder and director of the… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods appointed Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music at USC Thornton

Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades
On April 24, USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty members Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald performed a piano duet for the Chamber Music Palisades‘ final concert of their 27th season. Hosted by KUSC’s Alan Chapman, the concert featured musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Symphony and Santa… Continue reading Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades

Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
Ken Cazan, the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, will lead Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Music Academy of the West’s 2024 Summer Festival. Conducted by Daniela Candillari, the opera production will show on July 10 and feature choreography from flamenco star Manuel Gutierrez. The Summer Music Festival takes place from June 12–August… Continue reading Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival

Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) won a Chanel Next Prize for her work in music and poetry. The biennial Chanel Next Prize is awarded to 10 contemporary artists in various disciplines around the world who “are defining what is new and next in contemporary art and culture.” The winners receive… Continue reading Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize

Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA
On March 25, Voyage LA published an interview with chair of USC Thornton’s Jazz Studies department, Jason Goldman, as part of the “Conversations” series. Goldman discussed the highlights of his career, like touring in Michael Bublé’s band and starting The G Note Podcast. “I am most proud of my family but if we are talking… Continue reading Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA

Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) has announced that her new album, The Great Bailout, will be released on March 8 via ANTI-. The nine-track album includes contributions from Lonnie Holley, Angel Bat Dawid, Mary Lattimore, Vijay Iyer, Raia Was, Aaron Dilloway and Alya Al-Sultani. The first single “Guilty,” featuring Lattimore,… Continue reading Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”

Cellist Seth Parker Woods included in Pew Grant
Seth Parker Woods, a celebrated cellist and USC Thornton Strings faculty member, was included in a major grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, alongside artist Barbara Earl Thomas. As part of a major grant won by the Arthur Ross Gallery, Woods and Thomas will present a new collaborative work for the Philadelphia… Continue reading Cellist Seth Parker Woods included in Pew Grant

Jane Davidson
Jane Davidson is an attorney who focuses her practice on Entertainment Law and Litigation at Munck Wilson Mandala. After graduating from USC Thornton’s Music Industry program, Davidson worked full-time in the music industry while pursuing her law degree from Loyola Law School’s evening program. As a litigator, her primary focus area is intellectual property in entertainment… Continue reading Jane Davidson

Joe Poindexter
Joe Poindexter is the chief communications officer and executive vice president of digital at PULSE Music Group, an independent music publisher, record label and music services company based in Los Angeles. The company’s roster of talented artists, producers and songwriters includes Brent Faiyaz, James Blake, Turnstile, Kehlani, FNZ, Ty Dolla $ign, Cordae, Tyler Johnson, Freddie… Continue reading Joe Poindexter