Student Karli Webster makes a strong debut on The Voice
https://youtu.be/4Xpe2RXDwkg USC Thornton junior Karli Webster has officially joined Team Miley on NBC’s The Voice. During her blind audition on the October 3rd episode of the hit singing show, Karli received nods from Adam Levine and Miley Cyrus, eventually choosing to work with Cyrus. The 20-year-old Music Industry major, originally from Santa Clarita, California, has… Continue reading Student Karli Webster makes a strong debut on The Voice
Andriana Balic named to list of “Female Music Professors that Inspire Us”
College Magazine recently included Adriana Balic on its list of “10 Female Music Professors that Inspire Us.” Balic, who is known for her performance work with pop superstar P!nk, teaches songwriting in USC Thornton’s Popular Music Program. Balic has previously performed with artists, including Sheila E, Il Divo, Brenda Russell, Peabo Bryson, Norman Brown, Everett… Continue reading Andriana Balic named to list of “Female Music Professors that Inspire Us”
Applications are now open for the LA Phil’s Hack Music LA
Applications are now open for Hack Music LA, a two-day event (October 7 & 8) that will bring together 75 of the country’s most creative makers to develop tools and experiences to expand music for all. The innovative, music-inspired hackathon is hosted by the LA Phil in partnership with the USC Thornton School of Music… Continue reading Applications are now open for the LA Phil’s Hack Music LA
Steve Trovato
Steve Trovato is a faculty member in the Studio Guitar and Popular Music departments at the USC Thornton School of Music. A world-class guitarist, he has released several recordings under his own name that all received favorable reviews. Trovato’s masterly technique, intoxicating spontaneity and mesmerizing choice of material never fail to dazzle audiences everywhere. His kaleidoscopic… Continue reading Steve Trovato
Sophomore Madeliene Mayi releases new EP – with help from Music Industry students
Sophomore Popular Music student Madeleine Meyer — known professionally as Madeleine Mayi — is riding on a wave of success. Her first single, “You Want More,” earned 16,000 plays in less than three weeks, to the praise of Indie Shuffle and Ear to the Ground. On Friday, May 5th, Mayi released “Strawberry Hair,” the last… Continue reading Sophomore Madeliene Mayi releases new EP – with help from Music Industry students
Thornton students to participate in serendipitous Sofar Sounds concert
Four USC Thornton Popular Music students will perform on the evening of Sunday, April 30th as part of the Sofar Sounds performance series on the USC campus. The series aims to create buzz by presenting unannounced musical artists in secretive locations, which are revealed to audiences just before each event. Music Industry faculty member Loren… Continue reading Thornton students to participate in serendipitous Sofar Sounds concert
Popular Music chair Patrice Rushen speaks at Amherst College
USC Thornton Popular Music chair Patrice Rushen was recently invited to Amherst College in Massachusetts to speak about the importance of popular music in higher education. As part of the “New Perspectives in American Music” lecture series, Rushen detailed how Thornton’s Popular Music program has filled an under-served niche in musical curriculum. The discussion was… Continue reading Popular Music chair Patrice Rushen speaks at Amherst College
Pop alumna Maddie Ross profiled in “Billboard”
USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Maddie Ross (’14) is the focus of a feature profile in Billboard, which explores her innovative and entrepreneurial approach to music-making. Placing her recent single, “You’re Still My Sugar,” among “the best rock songs released this year,” the article survey’s Ross’s creative process, her podcast, coming out as queer, and… Continue reading Pop alumna Maddie Ross profiled in “Billboard”
Popular Music alumni, MUNA featured in heartwarming Vice video
The band MUNA, which was formed by Thornton Popular Music alumni Katie Gavin (BA ’15) and Josette Maskin (’16), along with Naomi McPherson, recently sat down to record a video for Vice’s Noisey series “Call Your Dad” — but things didn’t go exactly as planned. When band member Josette rang up her South African father… Continue reading Popular Music alumni, MUNA featured in heartwarming Vice video
Vice Dean Chris Sampson remembers legendary guitarist Chuck Berry
USC Thornton Contemporary Music faculty member Chris Sampson was recently quoted in a Los Angeles Wave article honoring the life of legendary guitarist Chuck Berry, who passed away earlier this month. Describing Berry as “a great rock poet” whose lyricism and stage presence brought a new interpretation to R&B music, Sampson explained that Berry’s emergence… Continue reading Vice Dean Chris Sampson remembers legendary guitarist Chuck Berry