Ambrose Akinmusire interviewed in Grammy.com article
Jazz Studies alum Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) was featured in an article for Grammy.com about jazz musicians pushing the genre into the future. The Grammy-nominated trumpeter is described as “A Pathfinder Through The Modern Avant-Garde” and is mentioned among four other pioneers in the field. In the piece, Akinmusire discussed how he considers social context… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire interviewed in Grammy.com article
Gretchen Parlato featured on cover of Jazzwise Magazine
The April 2021 issue of Jazzwise Magazine featured Thornton alumna and Grammy-nominated composer & vocalist Gretchen Parlato (GCRT ’03) as the cover story. The feature discusses the release of Parlato’s long-awaited and Brazilian-inspired new album, “Flor” on Edition Records. Parlato refers to the work as “a blossoming, an opening, an offering, a return.”
Tony Ybarra profiled by VC Reporter
Guitarist Tony Ybarra (BM ‘02, MM ‘04), an alum of USC Thornton’s Studio Guitar program, was featured in an article by the VC Reporter. In the article, Ybarra shares about his work as a musician, his love of flamenco, and how he has continued to make music during the pandemic. In addition to performing livestreamed… Continue reading Tony Ybarra profiled by VC Reporter
Ismael Nascimento wins First Place in Wilson Center Guitar Festival
Brazilian guitarist Ismael Nascimento, a doctoral student in USC Thornton’s Studio Guitar program, won 1st Place in the Jazz category of the 8th Annual Wilson Center Guitar Festival, held online in October. In his winning submissions, Nascimento performed Jazz and Brazilian tunes such as “Ornithology” by Charlie Parker, “Lamentos do Morro” by Aníbal Augusto Sardinha,… Continue reading Ismael Nascimento wins First Place in Wilson Center Guitar Festival
Nick Stoubis featured on new release by Jaden Smith
Nick Stoubis, chair of the Studio Guitar program, is featured on CTV3 (Cool Tape Vol. 3), the new release by Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Stoubis co-wrote and co-produced seven songs, including the song “Falling for You” featuring Justin Bieber, and the single “Rainbow Bap.” In addition, Stoubis played guitar and… Continue reading Nick Stoubis featured on new release by Jaden Smith
Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
The Daily Trojan, USC’s student-led newspaper, recently highlighted USC Thornton’s new video series, Live! From Somewhere. The series was launched on March 16 in response to recent closures and event cancellations, and as the school’s artists have looked for ways to continue making music while social distancing. Live! From Somewhere presents homemade performances by Thornton… Continue reading Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Carnegie Hall has announced its 2020-21 season, with concerts featuring a number of USC Thornton artists. The Los Angeles Philharmonic returns to Carnegie Hall this season, after a 30 year absence, with two of four concerts featuring work by Composition faculty member and Thornton alum Andrew Norman (BM ’02, MM ’04). Oct. 8, the LA… Continue reading Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Erik Hammer performs in Super Bowl halftime show
USC Thornton alum Erik Hammer had the best seat in the house for Sunday night’s Super Bowl halftime show: on stage, playing guitar with Shakira. Hammer is no stranger to playing with the stars—he was previously guitarist for rapper Lupe Fiasco.
Armen Movsesyan announced as semi-finalist in International Guitar Competition
Studio Guitar alum Armen Movsesyan (BM ’15) has been announced as a semi-finalist in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition. Movsesyan and 11 other guitarists will compete in the semifinals on Dec. 2 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Three finalists will be selected to compete at the Kennedy… Continue reading Armen Movsesyan announced as semi-finalist in International Guitar Competition
John Storie performs on new album by Jeff Goldblum and Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Studio Guitar alum John Storie (BM ‘06) performed and arranged music for the recently released album by Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra titled “I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This.” The album features guest artists Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Inara George, Anna Calvi, Gina Saputo, Sharon Van Etten and Gregory Porter. The album is… Continue reading John Storie performs on new album by Jeff Goldblum and Mildred Snitzer Orchestra