
A new school year is here, and students and faculty alike have returned to campus after another amazing summer where they traveled across the globe, attended music festivals, performed in venues large and small, recorded albums, wrote new music, practiced, practiced, practiced, and so much more. While the campus was quiet this summer, we took the opportunity over seven weeks to look back and celebrate a fantastic 2018-2019 academic year.
Week 1: Study Abroad • Week 2: Double Majors • Week 3: The New Classical
Week 4: Female Composers • Week 5: Festivals • Week 6: Only in LA • Week 7: Awards

In cooperation with institutional partners in Europe, USC Thornton offers a wide variety of international programs for its students. Students can study for a fall or spring semester in six of Europe’s top institutions through the Thornton’s International Exchanges, travel to Paris for a Maymester, or take advantage of Thornton’s short-term study abroad opportunities.
A View from Paris |
A Week in Oslo |

Because so many musicians have multiple interests that lead to multi-faceted careers, encouraging students to explore other fields enhances their education. This week, we celebrate USC Thornton undergrads who double major, combining their exceptional music degree with a passion for the sciences, literature or any of the hundreds of majors at USC.
Trojan Finds Perfect Mix of Music and Math at USC |
Day in the Life: Kate Crellin |
Shelby Wong: The New Classical |

USC Thornton has created a new model of classical music education for undergraduates by rethinking what it means to be a virtuoso in the 21st century. We’re calling it the New Classical. While preparing for its launch this fall, we spotlighted a handful of current students about what this new thinking means to them.
Theodosia Roussos: The New Classical |
Annie Jacobs-Perkins: The New Classical |

Female composers still often struggle to be heard. A recent survey by Women in Music project found that in over a thousand classical concerts across the globe in 2018, less than a hundred included work by women. This discrepancy is starting to change as major American orchestras address the issue, and this year we featured two exceptional USC Thornton composers who are part of this change.
Crowdfunding a Composition |
Standing on the Shoulders of Women Before Them |

Summer and music festivals go hand in hand, and members of the USC Thornton community are at the forefront of the live music industry. They are finding innovative ways to bring new audiences to already established festivals.
From Jazzheads to Cowboy |
Warped Tour Founder Finds New Calling In Classroom |

The USC Thornton community is a significant part of the music scene in Los Angeles, the music capital of the world. This week we look at how being in LA enables USC Thornton students opportunities that they couldn’t get anywhere else.
Location, Location, Location |
It’s A Family Affair |

The USC Thornton community includes many artists who are recognized for being at the top of their fields. We end the summer recap looking back at some of the most significant accolades won by Thornton musicians this year.
Eli Brueggemann and Carlos Rafael Rivera Win Emmys |
USC Thornton alumni take home GRAMMY Awards |
Ludwig Göransson ends award season with Oscar win |