USC Thornton hip-hop class receives guest visit from Rolling Loud festival co-founder, Tariq Cherif
The students of MUSC 320, a hip-hop course taught by USC Thornton faculty members Sean Nye and Jae Deal, left class on February 2 elated after a guest visit from Tariq Cherif. Cherif, the co-founder of Rolling Loud music festival, led a presentation and Q&A from 6-7 p.m. in Taper Hall. In the spirit of… Continue reading USC Thornton hip-hop class receives guest visit from Rolling Loud festival co-founder, Tariq Cherif
Patrice Rushen and Joanna Demers featured in Shondaland article on music and time
On Feb. 20, USC Thornton Popular Music program chair Patrice Rushen and Musicology department faculty member Joanna Demers were featured on Shondaland. In the article, Rushen and Demers explained the benefits of nostalgia in music education. Rushen discussed how and why songs live long past their release dates, referencing her 1982 Grammy-nominated R&B single “Forget… Continue reading Patrice Rushen and Joanna Demers featured in Shondaland article on music and time
Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
USC Thornton assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion and professor of jazz studies Ron McCurdy was inducted into the University of Kansas Nicholas Gerran, Sr. Hall of Achievement on Oct. 29. As part of the 50th anniversary of KU’s jazz program that featured performances by students and alumni, McCurdy was one of the four… Continue reading Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
Fall 2022 Semester in Review
Looking back on an amazing fall 2022 semester at USC Thornton.
King Princess performs NPR Tiny Desk Concert
On Nov. 2, USC Thornton non-degreed popular music program alumna Mikaela Straus (King Princess) performed a NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The indie pop singer performed three songs from her most recent album, “Hold On Baby”.
Chanda Dancy to compose score for upcoming film “Devotion”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program alumna Chanda Dancy (GRCT ‘04) will compose the score for upcoming film “Devotion.” The film is based on a book of the same name by Adam Makos about the first black aviator pilot in the Navy during the Korean War. Dancy is an accomplished film and TV composer known for… Continue reading Chanda Dancy to compose score for upcoming film “Devotion”
Jensen McRae discusses inspiration and collaboration
Oct. 19, MTV published a profile of USC Thornton popular music program alumna Jensen McRae. The site mentioned Jensen’s recent sold-out opening performances in New York’s Rockwood Music Hall for singer Amos Lee, as well as the literary roots and collaborative perspective of Jensen’s music. “If I’m having writer’s block in one area, focusing on… Continue reading Jensen McRae discusses inspiration and collaboration
Billboard names USC Thornton one of the top music business schools
Billboard Magazine named the USC Thornton School of Music one of the top music business schools in the U.S. The 2022 report on top music business colleges and universities is based on industry recommendations, alumni information and affordability. Billboard reports the list is the most geographically diverse list to date.
Richard Smith releases new single co-written with alumnus Adam Hawley
USC Thornton Studio Guitar and Popular Music professor Richard Smith has released a new single called “Groove Assets” on Sept. 1. According to The Urban Music Scene, the single was produced and co-written by USC Thornton alumnus Adam Hawley (BA ‘06, MA ‘08, DMA ‘10). “Groove Assets” is their third collaboration together. “There is no… Continue reading Richard Smith releases new single co-written with alumnus Adam Hawley
Ambrose Akinmusire to receive Jazz Innovator Award
Trumpeter, composer and USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) will receive the Jazz Innovator Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards on October 22. The Jazz Music Awards recognize and celebrate individuals who have made, and continue to make, a lasting contribution to jazz music.