Overview
Established by Charles C. Hirt in 1946, the choral music department has long been an innovator and leader in the development of graduate degree programs specifically designed for the choral conductor and the church musician. Graduates conduct choral groups of national prominence and hold positions as conductors and teachers throughout the world. The current faculty consists of specialists who lead regional choral and church ensembles and serve as clinicians and guest conductors in the United States and abroad.

Departmental ensembles have achieved local, national and international recognition through frequent performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, appearances at Divisional and National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and recognitions-including two Grand Prizes-in international choral competitions in Bulgaria, Spain and France.

Degrees Offered
MM, DMA

Curriculum Requirements
The MM in choral music is a two-year, 30-unit program that includes course work in choral conducting, choral music seminars, choral literature, choral development, music history and vocal arts. The program culminates with a graduate recital.

The DMA in choral music requires a minimum of 65 units beyond the bachelor's degree and consists of five areas of study: the basic DMA curriculum, course work in the major, an academic field and two elective fields. Two doctoral recitals and a dissertation are required.

Ensembles
USC Thornton Chamber Singers, Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor
Mixed-voice chamber chorus of 22–28 members that tours regularly

USC Thornton Concert Choir, Magen Solomon, conductor
Mixed-voice ensemble of 50–60 members that tours very often

USC Thornton Oriana Choir, Lesley Leighton, conductor
Specializing in choral repertoire for women

USC Thornton Apollo Choir, Christoper Eanes, conductor
Specializing in choral repertoire for men

Faculty
Jo-Michael Scheibe
Magen Solomon
Nick Strimple

Contact
Department of Choral and Sacred Music
USC Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California 90089-0851
(213) 740-7416
lacross@usc.edu