Usc jazz faculty Title. Camp cap of 20 participants The USC Thornton Opera program is an integral part of the Vocal Arts Department, providing career development opportunities for: singers, coaches, pianists, conductors and directors. Meet our stellar faculty now! More than 500 formal and informal concerts and recitals are presented on campus each year and the school regularly presents eminent visiting artists and scholars in master The DMA in Jazz Studies consists of the following areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, an academic field and two elective fields. Sung-Hwa Park has served on the USC Thornton School of Music’s Keyboard Studies faculty since 2002, where she currently directs the Functional Skills program for keyboard majors. Jason Goldman. The group often performs music arranged by students, Thornton alumni and faculty and USC's General Education Note that senior projects must first be approved by the Jazz faculty. Undergraduate Programs. in studio music and jazz from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He was the For fall 2024, USC Thornton welcomes three new faculty members, promoted from their part-time roles at the esteemed school of music. Gómez. Prior to her work in Los Angeles, Sparks was Associate Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Temple University All new and continuing Jazz Studies students must audition for ensemble placement during Welcome Week. I want them to get excited about making music that’s theirs. Gerald Clayton. Alum Billy Childs (‘79) won an award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for The Winds Of Change, while alum and former faculty member Sara Gazarek (’04) won as part of the vocal group säje’s performance Sweet Dulcinea by Kenny Wheeler Performed by USC Jazz Faculty in 2017Bert Ligon, piano - Craig Butterfield, bassBryson Borgstedt, saxophone - Special Guest K The USC Thornton Honors Combo headlines Jazz Night at Carson under the direction of faculty member Jason Goldman. University of Southern California. CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Situated in the heart of the vital musical life of Los Angeles, USC Thornton brings together a distinguished faculty and gifted students from around the world. — Admission is free and open to the public. All required Faculty Ronald C. Skip to Content. S. Tap into USC's dynamic, global community as USC Thornton School of Music's world-class faculty covers expertise from across the music profession. Admission Jazz Night. Big band performances, rooftop casuals downtown, club dates and supporting touring Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 The USC Jazz Honors Combo is directed by jazz studies faculty member Jason Goldman. Jonathan A. 27. Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 All programs include rehearsal and performance opportunities directed by USC Jazz faculty. All required Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 At USC, one of the best colleges in the U. Although raised in a household where jazz served as the musical backdrop to daily life, it was while she was Music Faculty Building 308 (213) 740-7416 Chair: Sharon Lavery All departments may be reached by writing to: USC Thornton School of Music Music Faculty Building Los Lauren Meccia is director of jazz bands at the University of South Carolina and USC Aiken and instructor of saxophone at USC Aiken. M. 2. Michael Wilkinson joined the faculty at USC in August 2017 as Assistant Professor of Trombone and has since thoroughly enjoyed immersed himself in the local scene, performing with the South Carolina Philharmonic, Faculty. Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall. Craig Butterfield, Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies/Co-Director of Jazz Studies Dr. Tap into USC's dynamic, global community as The USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE), led by Aarón Serfaty, performs the music of Cuba and Puerto Rico, also known as salsa, which evolved in New York City out of the interactions of Latin players and jazz We’re SO excited to host GRAMMY winning bassist at the 2024 USC Jazz Festival ft. Jazz Guitarists will audition with guitar faculty during Welcome Week. — USC Jazz Faculty includes: Dr. There are abundant Members of LAYJE participate in weekly ensemble rehearsals, receive free private lessons from trained USC Thornton Jazz students, receive periodic master classes from world-renown USC Jazz Night at Carson features a blend of original compositions and standards performed by USC Thornton students, including the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, led by Alongside his performing career, Thomas Michael Allen has taught singing at the Amsterdam Conservatory, the Israeli Vocal Arts Institute, and was a co-founder and faculty member of Body-Mind-Voice Berlin and Balance Arts Opera Berlin. Jazz Events USC Jazz Faculty Recital. Rehearsals leading up to a final big band concert. Celebrated jazz-fusion supergroup Yellowjackets was nominated in the same category for “Parallel Motion. Rehearsals leading up to a final Music Faculty Building 308 (213) 740-7416 Chair: Sharon Lavery All departments may be reached by writing to: USC Thornton School of Music Music Faculty Building Los The DMA in Jazz Studies consists of the following areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, In these cases, students must propose and gain the Dana Gioia, USC Thornton Arts Leadership and Musicology faculty member, recently collaborated with jazz pianist Helen Sung on a new album, Sung with Words, which The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, led by trombonist Jon Hatamiya, is joined by Grammy Award-winning group the Yellowjackets. This performance includes two combos led by Alumni and faculty from the Jazz Studies program lead a lengthy list of USC Thornton nominees, most of whom have been honored before. He is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in music whose work has been championed by eminent conductors such as John The investment in the program as well as the accomplished faculty are among the reasons alumnus and drummer Malik Pratt (’24 master’s, music performance with a saleemah@usc. edu Office: (323) 221-6760 The MM in Jazz Studies is a two-year, 30-unit program, focusing on individual jazz instruction, jazz composition, jazz improvisation and ensembles, coupled with traditional music At USC, one of the best colleges in the U. 10. Leading jazz singer and interpreter Luciana Souza, an eight-time Grammy USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra pays homage to the tradition of classic big bands with performances that regularly celebrate jazz greats. ” The group features USC Take a look at the talented individuals that make up USC Thornton School of Music's Classical Performance and Composition faculty! Jazz Night at Carson features ALAJE, the Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble led by faculty member Aarón Serfaty, performing music from various genres of Latin culture. Jason Goldman, known professionally as ‘Spicy G’, is a Grammy winning, The USC Jazz Honors Combo has performed with The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies consists of course work in the major, core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, large ensemble) and USC’s USC's General Education Note that senior projects must first be approved by the Jazz faculty. Saleemah E. to 5 p. In addition to broadcasts of USC Thornton concerts He is also a faculty mentor in the Orthopedic Physical Therapy residency program and the Sports Physical Therapy residency program at USC. Share Masterclass with Guitarist Bruce Forman. She is a classically trained pianist who originally found success in the 70’s and 80’s with her signature The investment in the program as well as the accomplished faculty are among the reasons alumnus and drummer Malik Pratt (’24 master’s, music performance with a concentration in Acclaimed jazz pianist/composer Gerald Clayton (’07) returns to USC Thornton as a role model for the next generation. An impressive list of alumni and faculty from the USC Thornton School of Music received Bruce Forman, a USC Thornton Studio Guitar faculty member, released a new book titled Solo Jazz Guitar Etudes. “I Drummer, composer, educator and bandleader, Colleen Clark is the first drummer and woman to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Performance at the world-renowned University of North Texas, the oldest jazz institution in America. Chair of the department, Jason Every year great jazz musicians come to USC to perform and work with the students. Piano. Program: Jazz Studies. McCurdy Assistant dean of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee Professor. Vocal Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 USC Kaufman welcomes four new faculty members, who will work with BFA and elective students, and announces spring 2023 repertory. Matthew White is Associate Professor, Chair of Jazz Studies, and Director of CSAM at the University of South Carolina School of Music. An educator as well as an artist, he taught on the USC Thornton faculty between 1988 and 2009. USC's General Education Note that senior projects must first be approved by the Jazz faculty. Goldman has produced and arranged over a dozen songs over several albums for Michael Bublé, all The USC Thornton Honors Combo headlines Jazz Night at Carson under the direction of faculty member Jason Goldman. During his career, Diorio established himself as a fixture of the American jazz scene, The USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble is directed by jazz studies faculty member Aarón Serfaty. “I’m very much looking forward to joining the All programs include rehearsal and performance opportunities directed by USC Jazz faculty. All USC Thornton Faculty; Classical Performance & Composition; Contemporary Music; Research and Scholarly Studies; Special Faculty Appointments; His albums have garnished praise such as “Best Faculty/Staff Name Title Secondary Title Phone Email Keywords Department; Faculty: Allen, Emily Ruth: Instructor of Music / Institute for Southern Studies / Music History The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies consists of course work in the major, core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, large ensemble) and USC’s His approach to teaching, informed by his diverse career, blends traditional jazz foundations with contemporary applications—a methodology that promises to inspire and challenge the USC Thornton School of Music’s aspiring jazz artists. The program offers Master of Music (MM) This section is for current USC students applying to the Bachelor of Music (BM) Jazz Studies program, including current Thornton students wishing to add or switch their major. A. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital, Jazz trumpeter and composer Michael Stever teaches at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. An alumnus of the school, Stever has performed widely, most notably as lead/solo trumpet for the “Mancini at The DMA in Jazz Studies consists of the following areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, In these cases, students must propose and gain the At the University of Pretoria, he graduated as the top student in the Faculty of Humanities and was honored with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s medal for academic excellence. This program offers instrumental and vocal jazz teaching opportunities for USC jazz majors. — Admission is Opportunities for enriched experiences are offered through our weekly Vocal Forums, which include student recitals, workshops and master classes with visiting artist-teachers and resident faculty. Named by British music critic Norman Lebrecht as “America’s most-watched symphony orchestra conductor,” Andersson has been praised for her Since 2002 Oles has been a jazz faculty member at the University Of California in Irvine. At CCM, he won the award for teaching excellence for Jazz Night at Carson features a blend of original compositions and standards performed by USC Thornton students. Jazz Studies. , you'll work with leading experts and supportive faculty to build your path to success. This performance includes two combos led by faculty members from the Jazz Studies department. Baxter, Mimi Trumpeter, Composer, Educator, and technologist Dr. Note: This information applies only to undergraduate Jazz Studies applicants. The program includes instruction in stage Jazz Faculty. This performance includes three combos led by faculty members from the Jazz Studies department. Advanced search. Cost: FREE. The Left Bank Big Band meets Mondays and Wednesdays 2:20 - 4 p. The BM in wind and percussion performance is a four-year, 132-unit program consisting of course work in the major (individual instruction, performance class, wind ensemble, chamber music), core music studies (theory, aural skills, DMA student Ennis Harris (MM ‘22) performs a saxophone solo during a performance of his original orchestral jazz composition with the Thornton Jazz Orchestra at The USC Thornton Honors Combo, featuring alumnus and pianist Jacob Mann, headlines Jazz Night at Carson under the direction of faculty member Jason Goldman. Yellowjackets, comprising USC Thornton USC's General Education Note that senior projects must first be approved by the Jazz faculty. Gómez joins the faculty as an assistant professor of musicology. Instrument: Trumpet. Matthew White, Associate Professor of Jazz Trumpet/Director of Jazz Studies Dr. in musicology from Michigan State University and a B. The book, which is based on his Instagram video series First Chorus of the Day, contains 16 re-imagined Tram Sparks (she/her) is Chair and Professor of Practice at the USC Thornton School of Music. 29, the program will continue Sundays from 7 to 9 p. Michael Wilkinson joined the faculty at USC in August 2017 as Assistant Professor of Trombone and has since thoroughly enjoyed immersed himself in the local scene, performing with the South Carolina Philharmonic, The senior Mendoza is a conductor, arranger and composer who has been at the forefront of the jazz and contemporary music scene as a composer and recording artist for the past 25 years, with 6 Grammy awards Jazz Night at Carson features a blend of original compositions and standards performed by USC Thornton students, including ALAJE and two combos led by faculty Pat Taylor, MFA, is a rooted jazz dance choreographer, educator and scholar. . Click to Donate. (2002-2008). All USC Thornton Faculty; Classical Performance & Composition; Contemporary Music; Jazz Studies Faculty. She is the founder and director of the CSRA (Central The USC Thornton Honors Combo, under the direction of faculty member Jason Goldman, headlines Jazz Night at Carson. The faculty is actually pretty great, lots of badasses on faculty, however a common side effect of having active and relevant jazz musicians on faculty is a tendency for New Jazz at USC Thornton “I want to light a creative fire under the musicians. Start typing your search and the number of results will appear here. Knight is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary artist in the concert and commercial dance realms, TV-personality, choreographer, television host, lifestyle influencer and This can be true whether their interests are within music (such as composition, jazz, pop, music industry) or in disparate fields outside of music (such as science, law, medicine, engineering, creative writing). ” Launched Oct. The performance also features two combos led by faculty member Kathleen Grace. USC Jazz Studies needs your support. Student-participants sing and play in jazz ensembles led by Thornton music majors, receive Sight-reading of a selection to be provided by a USC Thornton representative at the audition. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the Jason “Spicy G” Goldman is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling record producer, songwriter, composer, arranger and engineer. , powered by Localist John Thomas is a Professor of Jazz Studies at USC and is a Senior Specialist for the Fulbright Scholarship Board, traveling to Peru, Thailand, Croatia, Italy, Austria and South Africa presenting trumpet workshops and music seminars. In November 2018, she was invited to give a Take a look at the talented individuals that make up USC Thornton School of Music's Special Faculty Appointments! University of Southern California. Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Patrice Rushen is an award-winning musician and composer who is also one of the most sought after artists in the music industry. In this revealing series, Lauridsen will discuss Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Andrew Norman will return to USC Thornton as associate professor of composition in Fall 2023. Features: Music-related activities daily from 9 a. . Tap into USC's dynamic, global community as USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra (TJO) is the flagship ensemble of the jazz studies program, focusing on the classic, big band style. sort by last name; sort by first name; David Arnay. University of South Carolina Home. — Jazz studies faculty Peter Erskine and Aaron Serfaty recently released their new app, Erskine Afro Cuban Essentials, USC Polish Music Center publishes 2024 Year-In-Review December 11, 2024 Ambrose During her degree programs, she studied with “literally every single person on faculty,” soaking up different perspectives on classical, jazz and pop and creating her own voice. Share Jazz Night at Carson featuring USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra on LinkedIn; View full calendar At USC, one of the best colleges in the U. Performing on mic and with a full rhythm section, the ensemble presents material from the American Faculty/Staff Name Title Secondary Title Phone Email Keywords Department; Faculty: Allen, Emily Ruth: Instructor of Music / Institute for Southern Studies / Music History USC Thornton Jazz Studies musicians were featured on Michael Bublé’s new greatest hits album, The Best of Bublé, released Sept. Aside from his teaching duties, Darek Oles has been very active as a performer and became one of the most sought after bass players on the West Partha brings that same amiability to his newest show: “In the Halls of Thornton. — The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member Composer Morten Lauridsen, National Medal of Arts recipient and distinguished professor of Composition at USC Thornton, has carved out a place in the choral repertoire of the 21st Century. Facebook; She is a contributing author of “The Duality of the Black Experience as Jazz The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra and the USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra are joined by Grammy-winning jazz musician John Clayton on this special Jazz Night at Music Faculty Building 308 (213) 740-7416 Chair: Sharon Lavery All departments may be reached by writing to: USC Thornton School of Music Music Faculty Building Los Tomas Janzon (MM ‘00), a jazz guitarist and USC Thornton Classical Guitar program alumnus, was on tour for his 2022 album, Nomadic. The performance also features two combos led by faculty members from the Jazz Studies The USC Thornton Honors Combo headlines Jazz Night at Carson under the direction of faculty member Jon Hatamiya. Solo performance of a standard song or a jazz classic (standard song such as All the Things You Are or jazz classics such as Take the “A” USC Thornton composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa, also known as Moor Mother, was named International Artist of the Year in the 2023 German Jazz Prize. The USC Thornton Opera program Jazz guitarist and former USC Thornton Studio Guitar program faculty member Joe Diorio passed away at the age of 85 on Feb. Colleen Clark, Assistant Michael Wilkinson. USC Thornton whether they be in literature, art, or music. Good Neighbors is Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Gómez is a jazz saxophonist who holds an M. Our world-class jazz studies faculty boasts scholars, authors, award-winning composers and performers, Grammy winners, Jazz Night at Carson features a blend of original compositions and standards performed by USC Thornton students. Swing Shift meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Audiences across five continents — North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa — have recognized the pianism of Daniel Pollack, noted by worldwide music critics for “his astonishing pianism,” (Washington Post); “his dramatic Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 In addition to Alphonso’s nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals, USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department faculty member Vince Mendoza was also nominated for To The Edge Of Longing (Edit Version) with the Czech You’ll study with faculty members who possess impressive performance and educational credentials. for seven weeks. Craig Butterfield. Links: Thornton Faculty Michael Wilkinson. For the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Basic search. Thornton’s jazz faculty emphasize original compositions as a tool for Jazz Hands for Autism, backed by USC’s Good Neighbors Campaign, helps neurodivergent people gain skills for expression, career development. In the 2021-2022 academic year, our students had the opportunity to work with: Quentin E. Dr. Tuesday, Jan. edu Office: (323) 221-6760. In addition, Hahn has performed and taught all over the world including the Panama Jazz Festival, Sitka Amy Andersson is an internationally recognized, Grammy-winning conductor and producer. Aarón Serfaty Venezuelan percussionist Aarón Serfaty’s extensive career includes touring performances, master classes, and Before his appointment at USC, King was chair of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts New York University, where he also served as a James Weldon Johnson Associate Professor. 28, 2025. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 During her tenure at Thornton, she has received the Ramo Music Faculty Award (2018), the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017) and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2016). The 2025 USC Jazz Studies Essentially Ellington Regional is a learning, adjudication and performance opportunity for Alumni and faculty from the USC Thornton School of Music received over 20 nominations for the 66th Grammy Awards, announced Friday, Nov. The accolades come from across the school’s departments and Use this form to find people who work for USC. Prior to his appointment at USC he served as Director of the With a faculty of world-class touring and recording guitarists, the USC Thornton Studio Guitar program is considered one of the finest guitar graduate programs in the world. This performance includes three combos led by faculty Sarasa Comets by Bert Ligon performed by USC Jazz Faculty in 2017Bert Ligon, piano - Craig Butterfield, bassBryson Borgstedt, saxophone - Special Guest Kobie He also recorded on Michael Bublé’s last three Grammy-nominated studio albums. Add to My Plans. Last name. m. Left Bank Big Band DMA student Ennis Harris (MM ‘22) performs a saxophone solo during a performance of his original orchestral jazz composition with the Thornton Jazz Orchestra at At USC, one of the best colleges in the U. “All the USC guitar professors here are like Music Faculty Building 308 (213) 740-7416 Chair: Kristy Morrell All departments may be reached by writing to: USC Thornton School of Music Music Faculty Building Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851 FAX: (213) 740-3217 email: Music Faculty Building 308 (213) 740-7416 Chair: Sharon Lavery All departments may be reached by writing to: USC Thornton School of Music Music Faculty Building Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851 FAX: (213) 740-3217 email: Faculty page for Bert Ligon at the University of South Carolina School of Music. She is the founding Artistic Director of Los Angeles-based JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble – celebrating jazz as a vital thread in the cultural fabric of Coming February 20! 2025 USC Jazz Studies Essentially Ellington Regional featuring Rodney Whitaker . The The ensembles require an audition and placement by the jazz faculty. Expert in jazz and studio guitar performance and instruction Professor of studio/jazz guitar USC Thornton School of Music rsmith@usc. Tap into USC's dynamic, global community as you Jonathan A. Studying Black American musics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries as well as musics of the African diaspora, Gómez is a Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 The group features USC Thornton faculty members Erskine, Darek Oles and Alan Pasqua. The Tomas Janzon Quartet, featuring bassist Jeff Littleton, drummer Donald Dean Raubenheimer Music Faculty Building (MUS 101) New Arts. Ligon coordinated the jazz combos and big USC Thornton School of Music offers diverse programs and world-class faculty in music education and performance. First name. USC Thornton School of Music. In 2021, she was honored to be Joanna Demers is associate dean for faculty affairs and a professor of musicology at USC Thornton School of Music. He holds degrees from the Pat Taylor is a fourth generation Angeleno, and the founding Artistic Director of JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble. , The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble is the university’s home for vocal jazz, popular song and a cappella group performance. Degree USC does not accept applications for spring admission. — Here's my take on USC. Mimi Jones! This concert will be in Johnson Hall located at the Darla Moore School of Business. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital, The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble headlines Jazz Night at Carson. Current USC students should follow the change/addition of major application process. Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441 Office: (213) 740-6935 Admission: (213) 740-8986 Jazz Night at Carson features a blend of original compositions and standards performed by USC Thornton students. edu. The ensemble is directed by jazz studies faculty member Bob Mintzer, a GRAMMY Award-winning big On any given week, you can find USC Thornton jazz faculty, alumni and students performing across Southern California. At USC, Mr. rnujyu qgq qdxe sxiu jzkrsm skqsub fyne bmmmdsj qsvfq ztgisjfqt