MUNA join Lollapalooza
MUNA, the pop trio consisting of Popular Music Performance alumni Katie Gavin (‘15), Josette Maskin (‘16) and Naomi McPherson (‘15), is set to perform at Lollapalooza on August 1st. The group will take the stage after their release of album Dancing On The Wall May 8. Contrasting with the brightness of their self-titled LP in… Continue reading MUNA join Lollapalooza
Dean Jason Kings speaks on Pop Pantheon
USC Thornton Dean Jason King spoke with DJ Louis XIV on Pop Pantheon’s latest episode “WHITNEY HOUSTON: PART 2,” returning to participate in a 4-part series on the legendary artist. In the episode, the pair dissect Whitney’s cultural dominance through the ’90s, her continued run of film and soundtrack success and how multiple aspects of… Continue reading Dean Jason Kings speaks on Pop Pantheon
Kuk Harrell shares career insights at Dean’s Spotlight Session
Legendary vocal producer Kuk Harrell visited Taper Hall on Nov. 21, 2025 to discuss his career. During the Spotlight Session moderated by USC Thornton Dean Jason King, Harrell broke down Logic Pro sessions working with A-list talent like Summer Walker and Jenny from BLACKPINK and answered questions from student audience members. His place in the… Continue reading Kuk Harrell shares career insights at Dean’s Spotlight Session
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
USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
USC alum and former Thornton Board of Councilors member Lenny Waronker was recently inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Waronker is best known for his historic tenure as head of Warner Brothers A&R through the ‘70s and president through the ‘80s, where he groundbreakingly prioritized creative integrity over commercial pressure. Having… Continue reading USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Switched on Pop podcast won Signal Award for Best Original Score/Music
USC Thornton musicology faculty member Nate Sloan‘s podcast, Switched on Pop, has won the bronze Signal Award for Best Original Score/Music. The Signal Awards aim to “recognize the most potent, meaningful and unprecedented audio projects being made today.” Hosted by Sloan with songwriter and music educator Charlie Harding, Switched on Pop breaks down the musical… Continue reading Switched on Pop podcast won Signal Award for Best Original Score/Music
Pop Conference 2026 announces call for proposals
Pop Conference 2026 (PopCon) has announced its call for proposals under the theme of “Mayhem: Pop Music and Writing in Perilous Times.” The annual conference features the world’s leading scholars, journalists, writers, and musicians for a long weekend of papers, roundtables, discussions, and performances exploring popular music. The USC Thornton School of Music will once… Continue reading Pop Conference 2026 announces call for proposals
Annenberg Media spotlights H.E.R. Signature Series event
On Sept. 15, Annenberg Media spotlighted USC Thornton’s Signature Series event featuring five-time Grammy-winning artist, H.E.R., in conversation with Dean Jason King. Thornton students Lionna Romans, Rachel Barton, Joshua Grossman, Eyen Paredes and Jaden Lehman surprised H.E.R. and the audience with a performance of the artist’s hit songs, “Best Part” and “The Journey.” “As the… Continue reading Annenberg Media spotlights H.E.R. Signature Series event
Ken Stacey
Crystal Barron
Crystal Barron is a somatic vocal coach, singing voice specialist and vocologist whose work bridges artistry, science, and somatic awareness to support sustainable and expressive vocal performance. She is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters and professional voice users cultivate authenticity, resilience and joy in their creative practice. Holding certifications in multiple cross-disciplinary modalities, Barron’s comprehensive… Continue reading Crystal Barron