Generations of distinguished faculty have put USC Thornton on the map as a global destination for those who are serious about music. Furthering that reputation are our alumni, who hold prominent positions in major orchestras and ensembles, serve as leaders in the rapidly evolving music industry, perform on stages around the world, win coveted prizes and honors, and remain among the most sought-after studio musicians and recording artists.

USC Popular Music – the first university program of it’s kind.

USC Popular Music link         (Photo Credits: USC)

Located in Los Angeles, our mission is to reflect L.A.’s unique and eclectic artistic landscape. This is why we offer programs in film scoring, songwriting, and popular music performance in addition to such areas as opera, jazz, and orchestral music. We utilize all the resources of this great city. Our faculty are members of the LA Philharmonic, LA Master Chorale, LA Chamber Orchestra, and the LA Opera. But we go much further to blur the lines between campus and city. Thornton students regularly perform at the nearby GRAMMY Museum^®, and faculty, students, and alumni have performed on the Emmy^® Awards, as well as the GRAMMY^® and Academy Awards^®.

Our students have regular opportunities to interact with artists from all major performing disciplines- from on-campus master classes and drastically reduced (or free) tickets to cultural events at the Los Angeles Music Center, to working in the vast number of professional recording studios in Hollywood.

Your fellow students will win national and international competitions and awards in diverse areas. The relationships you develop with these colleagues will make you a better and more expansive artist while also building a network of like-minded individuals that will last throughout your career.

If this sounds like you, check out the USC Thornton School of Music.  We’re the perfect school to help you launch your career.

USC Thornton School