Official updates from Dean Cutietta to the Students, Faculty, and Staff of USC Thornton.
April 12: Meet the New Faculty: Seth Parker Woods
USC Thornton is introducing a number of exceptional new faculty members to the school this semester. I’d like to introduce acclaimed cellist Dr. Seth Parker Woods, who joins the faculty as an assistant professor of practice, string chamber music and cello.
February 11: USC Thornton Returns to In-Person Performances
I’m proud to announce that all departmental and ensemble events are open to in-person, limited capacity audiences.
January 8: Spring 2022 Restart Update
This letter addresses important changes in how we will need to start the Spring 2022 semester in the Thornton School.
August 16: A Message from Dean Cutietta and Restart Team to Students
This letter addresses important changes in how we will need to start the fall semester in the Thornton School.
July 20: A Message from the Dean on Fall 2021 Reopening
This letter highlights measures that significantly enhance our ability to fully participate in collaborative music activities this Fall.
March 27: A Message from the Dean to Faculty and Staff: Thornton Reopening Preview
A message further defining the next steps of our partial reopening of Thornton facilities.
March 19: Updates on Commencement and Thornton Reopening
Updates on Thornton’s reopening plans and information on in-person commencement celebrations this spring for the graduating classes of both 2020 and 2021.
March 12: A Message from the Dean to USC Thornton Students
The following summary highlights immediate steps available to take advantage of opportunities to utilize Thornton facilities as they evolve.
March 5: Update on Spring 2021 semester
As highlighted in today’s university announcement, the County of Los Angeles issued new guidelines this week which have relaxed some of the requirements regarding student activities on campus.
February 20: Update on Spring 2021 semester
In anticipation of reopening, I am writing with an update regarding plans for the Spring semester.
January 12: Updates on the Spring 2021 semester
Our Spring ’21 semester begins this Friday, January 15, and I wanted to write to you with a few updates on where we are as a school and university.
August 7: A Message from Dean Cutietta
In a memo on August 5 to the university community, Provost Zukoski announced that USC would begin the Fall 2020 semester with fully remote instruction. It is so unfortunate, but I want to clarify a few points in the Provost’s announcement as it relates specifically to the Thornton School.
July 15: A Message from Dean Cutietta
Dear Thornton Community:
In recent days, the public health situation in Los Angeles has deteriorated significantly, including more COVID-19 cases that have been reported on and near the USC campus. Therefore, we have made the painful decision to move all Thornton activity for the Fall 2020 semester to an online-only format.
July 3: A message from Dean Cutietta about the Fall 2020 semester.
Dear Thornton Students:
I write to you today with an update on the Thornton School’s plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Many details have yet to be fully confirmed, but progress is being made. I want to keep you as informed as possible.
June 15: An Update from Dean Cutietta on the Fall 2020 semester.
Dear Thornton Students:
I know that many of you were heartened by the message from President Folt on Tuesday, June 2 announcing USC’s plans for the upcoming fall semester. I also know that you have many questions about the fall semester amid ongoing public health concerns.
April 23: A Message from Dean Cutietta to the Alumni of USC Thornton
We are entering our second month of remote education, and updates continue as both the university and the Thornton School adjust to ever-changing circumstances.
April 16: An Update from Dean Cutietta to Thornton Faculty and Staff
The sun has returned after a week of overcast mornings in Los Angeles and brought some good news. Social distancing seems to be working. Despite the physical distance between us, I continue to feel such a strong sense of community within the Thornton School. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, your tireless response to this pandemic has been so heartening.
April 9: An Update from Dean Cutietta to Thornton Faculty and Staff
I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy during this challenging time. We are entering our second month of remote education, and updates continue as both the university and the Thornton School adjust to ever-changing circumstances. One thing has remained constant. I continue to hear really touching comments about everyone’s dedication to our students and their education. It is so encouraging.
April 1: An Update from Dean Cutietta to Thornton Faculty and Staff
I hope you are all doing well in this unexpected and challenging time. We are returning to some semblance of normalcy, and yet we continue to actively seek solutions for the challenges we face across the school. With the goal of sharing regular information, even if plans are still being decided, here are the updates for the week.
March 20: A Message from Dean Cutietta to the Students, Faculty, and Staff of USC Thornton
Our world has changed quickly in the last week, and more changes are to come. What is clear is that the proactive efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus is upending all of our lives.
On Monday morning, March 23, we begin a new era. Our entire educational mission will move online. Students, faculty and staff will have new limitations placed on their interactions, lectures and lessons, rehearsals and performances. This is true not only for USC Thornton, but for music schools and conservatories across the world, and for the profession of music in general.
March 13: A Letter from Dean Cutietta
If you had told me a week ago I’d be writing to you with so many updates of our school’s cancellations, I would not have believed it. Like you, I have been shocked and dismayed by the news, but also heartened by our community’s response.