Posts Tagged ‘Vocal Arts and Opera’


Photo of singer Karen Parks

Karen Parks awarded with Most Distinguished Alumni by Furman University

March 9, 2023

USC Thornton vocal arts and opera faculty member Karen Parks received the Most Distinguished Alumni award from Furman University on Feb. 11 at the Bell Tower Ball, an annual gala event that celebrates alumni achievements. Parks, a Fulbright Scholar, Olivier Award nominee and Billboard chart-topper, was presented the award by Furman University’s president Dr. Elizabeth… Continue reading Karen Parks awarded with Most Distinguished Alumni by Furman University


Photo collage of musicians and composers in performance attire in front of a green watercolor background.

Reclamation through Resistance, Rebirth through Reconciliation

February 17, 2023

USC Thornton celebrates Black History Month with a playlist on Spotify.


Photo of Jason King wearing a green jacket and smiling.

Jason King named dean of USC Thornton School of Music

January 24, 2023

Renowned music scholar and musician Jason King has been named dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, effective July 1st.


Graphic illustration of a music treble clef surrounded by colors.

Fall 2022 Semester in Review

December 12, 2022

Looking back on an amazing fall 2022 semester at USC Thornton.


Photo of a 1960s-era airport terminal with red carpet and tall windows facing a runway.

Turbulent Destinations

November 16, 2022

The USC Thornton Opera program presents Jonathan Dove and April De Angelis’ witty and moving opera, “Flight.”


Photo of Reyna Gordon smiling.

Reyna Gordon leads scientific study of genetic link to musicality traits

October 26, 2022

USC Thornton Vocal Arts department alumna Reyna Gordon (BM ‘01) has led the first large-scale study that discovered how the ability to move in synchrony with the beat of music is coded in human genomes. Assembled by an international multidisciplinary team of experts and in collaboration with personal genetics company 23andMe, the study assessed beat… Continue reading Reyna Gordon leads scientific study of genetic link to musicality traits


Lynn Helding pictured in black sweater against backdrop of blue bricks

Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing

September 30, 2022

Lynn Helding, a professor of practice and the coordinator of vocology and voice pedagogy in the USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera program, has been named the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Singing. The Journal of Singing is the only English language international periodical dedicated exclusively to voice art, pedagogy, science, technology and health… Continue reading Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing


Photo collage of smiling students with their instruments.

A Summer to Remember

September 15, 2022

Thornton Student Ambassadors look back on a summer of unforgettable opportunities and important lessons.


Photo of Darryl Taylor

Darryl Taylor hosts international conference for African American Art Song Alliance 25th Anniversary Celebration

September 8, 2022

Darryl Taylor (MM ‘91, DMA ‘95), founder of the African American Art Song Alliance (AASA), hosts the AASA’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Conference October 13-16 at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine. The international conference will focus on African American contributions to classical music in two main areas: social… Continue reading Darryl Taylor hosts international conference for African American Art Song Alliance 25th Anniversary Celebration


Photo collage of music teachers in front of an illustrated backdrop of instruments.

New Avenues of Scholarship, Performance and Pedagogy

August 24, 2022

USC Thornton welcomes a new crop of faculty members, recognizes long-standing faculty with promotions.