USC Thornton is a powerhouse in music education.
Thornton’s location in Los Angeles, a hub of the film and recorded music industry, makes it a top choice for aspiring musicians.
Because of its location and musical & academic reputations, I find that it is frequently listed as THE top choice for many students interested in pursuing college for music.
Founded in 1884, Thornton is one of Los Angeles’ oldest cultural institutions. It played a crucial role in the city’s post-World War II cultural renaissance, attracting renowned faculty like violinist Jascha Heifetz and cellist Gregor Piatagorsky.
Thornton’s status as the first official university affiliate of the GRAMMY Museum provides students with unique educational and internship opportunities.
In fact, the 7-day Grammy Camp, a summer program for contemporary musicians interested in songwriting, production, and more, is hosted at USC Thornton
The school’s diverse program offerings are its strongest selling point. Students can explore classical performance, jazz, composition, popular music, music technology, screen scoring, and music industry studies.
In my experience, Thornton’s blend of tradition and innovation makes it an outstanding choice for serious music students. Its prime location and commitment to excellence across multiple disciplines set it apart in the competitive world of music education.
However, because Thornton has so many attractive qualities, it is quite competitive to get into. For some programs it offers, it is actually the MOST competitive school to get into.
Today, we’ll discuss USC Thornton, why it’s among the best schools in the world, and more.
USC Thornton Acceptance Rate
In 2024, the acceptance rate into USC Thornton was about 10%.
Some programs at USC Thornton have an even lower acceptance rate!
Popular music performance, for example, accepts 5% or less of its applicants, depending on the year.
The music production program at USC Thornton is similar in its numbers.
Undoubtedly, the most challenging division for USC Thornton undergraduates is contemporary music.
Other selective programs include jazz performance, classical performance, and the master’s degree in film scoring, which are among the top programs in the country.
That being said, all of the programs at USC Thornton are quite challenging for admission, as it’s one of the most popular music schools in the world.
What Makes USC Thornton So Selective
USC Thornton is so selective because of its exceptional offerings and desirable location.
Students here benefit from unparalleled access to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, immersing them in world-class performances and professional environments.
The faculty roster reads like a who’s who of music.
Jazz legend Bob Mintzer, former New York Philharmonic concertmaster Glenn Dicterow, and Emmy-nominated film composer Lawrence Shragge are just a few examples of the caliber of instructors shaping young musicians at Thornton.
Los Angeles provides a playground of career opportunities. Venues like Permanent Records, The Lodge Room, and countless others offer students real-world experience and networking possibilities.
The proximity to major record labels, film studios, and tech companies opens doors for internships and collaborations.
I’ve noticed that Thornton’s flexibility is another major draw.
Students can pursue double majors, combining their passion for music with other academic interests.
The school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly renovated Booth Hall and the Bovard Auditorium, provide students with top-tier places to perform. Regular masterclasses with visiting artists and industry professionals further enrich the learning experience.
USC Thornton’s 2024 Stats At-a-Glance
Here are some stats for you to know about USC Thornton at a quick glance:
Number of students: 1,012 (source)
Number of faculty: 171 (source)
Student-to-teacher ratio: about 6:1
Tuition: $69,904 (source – this does not include housing, etc.)
Satisfaction rate: 94% of alumni are satisfied with their education, according to their surveys.
USC Thornton Ranking & Reputation
USC Thornton is usually ranked among the top 10 music schools in the country, according to many publications.
USC Thornton was ranked as the #4 music school in the United States by Niche.com.
Although no ranking list is perfect, and in our opinion, should only be used as a starting point, the one by Niche considers many of the best music programs in the country.
Niche also ranked USC as the #2 performing arts school in the country. Another website, College Transitions, ranks it among the top 10.
Although I no longer publicly rank music schools, I definitely consider USC one of the best schools in the country, and a contender for the best in California.
USC Thornton Notable Faculty – Who You Could Study With
USC Thornton’s faculty is a who’s who of musical excellence.
The legendary Pepe Romero, a master of classical and flamenco guitar, brings decades of performance and recording experience to his students.
Frank Ticheli, whose band compositions are performed worldwide, offers invaluable insights into contemporary classical composition. His piece “Blue Shades” is a staple in the wind ensemble repertoire.
Pianist Jeffrey Kahane, with his 20-year tenure as director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, brings a real-world conducting and performance expertise to the keyboard studies department.
I’m particularly impressed by Brian Malouf’s presence on the faculty. His production credits with artists like Queen, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Pearl Jam offer students an industry perspective on working with top artists.
Yehuda Gilad, renowned clarinetist and conductor, is one of the most sought-after teachers globally. His students frequently secure positions in major orchestras and academic institutions.
The list is extensive and could go on for much longer; nearly all of the faculty at USC are not simply teachers, but among the most accomplished musicians in Los Angeles.
Accomplished Alumni of USC Thornton
USC Thornton has graduated some of the most famous names in the musical world.
The impact of USC Thornton’s alumni on the music industry is profound and far-reaching. Electronic music producer Daedalus, known for his innovative soundscapes, honed his craft at Thornton before making waves in the electronic music scene.
Jerry Goldsmith, a Thornton graduate, became one of Hollywood’s most prolific film composers, scoring iconic Star Trek films among his many credits.
Ludwig Goransson’s recent work on Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and “Oppenheimer,” as well as the hit series “The Mandalorian,” showcases the school’s continued influence in contemporary film and TV scoring.
I’m always impressed by the number of Thornton alumni holding principal positions in major orchestras. Tubist Gene Pokorney (formerly of Chicago Symphony) and flutist Elizabeth Rowe (Boston Symphony) are prime examples of the school’s impact on classical music.
In the pop world, singer-songwriter Todd Carey has toured with industry giants like Jason Mraz and John Mayer. More recently, former American Idol contestant Remi Wolf has been making waves with her unique brand of funk-pop.
Jazz fusion guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., another Thornton alum, has enjoyed a successful career both as a solo artist and session musician.
These successful alumni demonstrate Thornton’s ability to prepare students for a wide range of musical careers, from classical to pop, jazz to film scoring.
Tips for Getting Accepted to USC Thornton
When applying to USC Thornton, tailoring your approach to your specific program can significantly boost your chances.
For classical performance aspirants, I strongly recommend securing a trial lesson with a faculty member before applying. This not only showcases your initiative but also helps you understand the school’s teaching style.
Music production applicants should diversify their portfolio. Don’t limit yourself to electronic music; include productions featuring real instruments in commercial genres. This demonstrates versatility and a broader skill set.
Jazz performance hopefuls should focus on improvisation across various styles. Mastery of ballads, blues, and other forms shows depth and adaptability in your playing.
The popular music program is notoriously competitive, with acceptance rates as low as 3% in some years, especially for songwriters. To stand out, craft fully realized songs with distinct sections and memorable “hooks” in your melodies.
It’s crucial to remember that USC is a competitive academic institution. While they may be somewhat flexible with grades for exceptional musical talent, a degree of academic excellence is expected. Strong grades and test scores can set you apart in a pool of musically gifted applicants.
Ultimately, showcasing your musical and academic capability will give you the best shot at joining USC Thornton’s esteemed student body.
PS
Interested in attending USC Thornton?
See what Sammi, who is attending USC Thornton for Popular Music, has to say about working with us.
