Welcome to the Thornton School – Undergraduate Students

Congratulations on your admission to the USC Thornton School of Music! We are very excited to have you join us next year.  We believe that USC Thornton is an extraordinary place and that’s why we’re excited about you. You would truly be among peers at USC Thornton. We have seen in you the kind of talent, intellect, outlook, and impulse that we think would be right at home in the USC Thornton community.  We would love to have you join this marvelous group of future music professionals and hope you can connect with us over the next few weeks as you make the important decision about where to enroll next year. 

See below for details about on-campus and virtual admitted student events, planning a campus visit, and other ways to learn more about USC Thornton.  Fight On!

Take the Next Steps

  1. Attend an Admitted Student Event
    • We are excited to connect with you and invite you to join us at one of our in-person or virtual admitted student events in April. See the “Connect With Us!” section below for more details.
  2. Commit to Enroll at USC (May 1 deadline)
    • Fall 2023 Admits: Click here for more information about certifying to enroll and other important next steps like applying for USC housing, signing up for orientation and more
    • Spring 2024 Admits: Click here for more information about certifying to enroll and other important next steps like planning your fall semester, applying for USC housing and more.
  3. Plan to Complete the Music Theory Exam
    • New first-year students who certify to enroll (all majors except Music Industry) are required to complete a Music Theory Exam prior to orientation. This exam will be available online from May 8 through May 12. More information will be emailed to admitted students by mid-April.

Connect With Us!

On-Campus Admitted Student Events

We are excited to connect with you at one of the on-campus admitted student events this April. These events are a great chance to visit campus, connect with the USC and Thornton community, and learn more about undergraduate opportunities at USC!


Virtual Admitted Student Events

Thornton Academic Information Session

Join other admitted Thornton undergrads in a discussion with Thornton admission staff about academic and student life at the Thornton School! Sessions will be hosted via Zoom and registration through the USC Applicant Portal is required.  


Ways to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Class Visits

Observing a class while on campus is a great way to see the Thornton School in action!  If you are interested in observing a class or rehearsal during a campus visit, you must carefully review and observe the following instructions:

Attend a Performance

Additional USC Admission Events and Resources

Admitted students are also encouraged to explore the many events and resources available on the USC Admitted Student Welcome page. Click here to learn more!


Learn More About the Thornton School

Watch the recording from the Discover USC Open House: “The Thornton Experience” session from November 2022. This session highlights the undergraduate Thornton experience and the many collaborative opportunities at the Thornton School featuring two of our Vice Deans and student performances. You can also take a look inside the Thornton School with the USC Thornton Campus Snapshot, an online tour of USC Thornton in a series of snapshots and videos showcasing our students in rehearsals, performances, lessons, classes, and more.


Questions? Contact Us!

USC Thornton Admission Office
Email: uscmusic@usc.edu
Phone: (213)740-8986
Office: The Music Complex (TMC) 200 – the office suite on the top floor of TMC
Office Hours: M – F | 9AM – 5PM PT