University of Southern California

Founded in 1884, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music prepares students for successful careers in the 21st century. By blending the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the intellectual ambition of a leading research university, students excel as elite artists, performers, educators, and professionals while taking classes in other schools at USC. They often add a double major or a minor, and learn from world-class faculty and students outside music. They grow as artists and as people. With our location in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the world’s centers for art and the entertainment industry, opportunities abound and students often build careers before they graduate. Our history is defined by the pursuit of musical excellence, and we are unique among our peers in the sheer diversity of music that is taught here—from early music to popular music, orchestral performance, screen scoring, jazz, composition, music industry, and more—all at the highest levels. We expect a lot of ourselves, but the environment is one of collaboration and support. Students often speak of their departments or studios as family.