Shawn Mendes’ team share the inside scoop as part of USC Thornton Spotlight Sessions
On Oct. 24, a panel of Shawn Mendes’ team shared their industry insights to interested students. The event was part of the newly established Spotlight Sessions initiated by USC Thornton Dean Jason King to provide more opportunity to hear from active, accomplished major players. Consisting of co-manager and A&R Executive Ziggy Chareton, marketing executive and… Continue reading Shawn Mendes’ team share the inside scoop as part of USC Thornton Spotlight Sessions
Billboard names USC Thornton a top music business school
On October 25, Billboard included USC Thornton School of Music on their 2025 list of Top Music Business Schools in the nation. This marks the seventh consecutive year that USC Thornton has been ranked among Billboard’s top music business schools that are preparing the next generation of music industry leaders for success. The article highlighted… Continue reading Billboard names USC Thornton a top music business school
Jeff Brabec included in The Mechanical Licensing Collective’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) included USC Thornton Music Industry program faculty member Jeff Brabec in a press release celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, which took place May 5–9. The MLC highlighted its educational initiatives aimed at empowering both educators and the next generation of music industry professionals. “The MLC’s website and Educator Toolkit are filled… Continue reading Jeff Brabec included in The Mechanical Licensing Collective’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration
Learning Through Collaboration
Thornton Student Ambassadors Madeline Clara Cheng, Alyssa Holland and Oliviana Marie share highlights from their collaborations as USC Thornton students.
Master’s student Marisa Martinez profiled by Annenberg Media
Annenberg Media profiled USC Thornton Music Industry master’s student Marisa Martinez about combining her business and musical passions. Martinez discussed her childhood in Texas, staying immersed in music by pursuing her graduate degree, and how she plans to approach the ever-changing entertainment industry. “I really believe that music is something that unites everyone as a… Continue reading Master’s student Marisa Martinez profiled by Annenberg Media
Amy Blackman
Amy Blackman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After receiving an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University, she began a career in artist management, based in Los Angeles. For 18 years, Blackman managed the global businesses of multi-Grammy Award winning music artists and producers. Between 2007-2011, she was made cultural ambassador for the US… Continue reading Amy Blackman
Music Industry student Olivia Langford places third in America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition
USC Thornton Music Industry student Olivia Langford (Olivia Mae) has placed third in her group in America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition, powered by Colossal. The winner will receive $10,000, an appearance in Rolling Stone, a performance at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase and a mentoring session with Busta Rhymes. In her interview for the… Continue reading Music Industry student Olivia Langford places third in America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition
Kevin Lyman featured on KCRW
USC Thornton Music Industry faculty member Kevin Lyman was featured on KCRW’s program “Press Play with Madeleine Brand,” where he offered insight into the costs of touring. He explained that touring expenses increased over 40% following the COVID-19 pandemic, making it nearly impossible for most artists to afford. Given this high cost, coupled with a… Continue reading Kevin Lyman featured on KCRW
Bobby Borg publishes new book on music marketing
Bobby Borg, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Music Industry program, published a new book titled Music Marketing for the DIY Musician. In this third edition, Borg provides a step-by-step guide for musicians to create a low-budget, customized marketing plan that will prepare them for success in the music industry. The book includes marketing… Continue reading Bobby Borg publishes new book on music marketing
Michael Kaminsky and Kevin Lyman launch Idobi Radio Summer School
USC Thornton Music Industry faculty members Michael Kaminsky and Kevin Lyman have co-founded the Idobi Radio Summer School alongside Eric Tobin, a festival tour that will feature six up-and-coming rock bands: Stand Atlantic, Magnolia Park, The Home Team, Scene Queen, Honey Revenge and Letdown. The bands will perform in 25 cities across the United States… Continue reading Michael Kaminsky and Kevin Lyman launch Idobi Radio Summer School