Overview
With one of the first free-standing jazz studies departments in the nation, the USC Thornton School was one of the pioneers in the development of an academic curriculum dedicated to the only truly American musical art form. With a faculty second to none, the goal of the jazz studies department is to prepare talented young musicians for prominence in the professional performance arena. As a result, recent graduates have assumed prominent roles in jazz and popular music. It is no surprise to find that the USC Thornton jazz studies department ranks in the top three or four in the nation as enumerated by the major jazz periodicals.

Degrees Offered
BM, MA, DMA, Graduate Certificate

Curriculum Requirements
The BM in Jazz Studies is a four-year, 132-unit program, consisting of courses in the major, including individual instruction, theory, history, ensembles, and related topics, coupled with the University's general education and writing programs. The program culminates with a senior recital.

The MM in Jazz Studies is a two-year, 30-unit program, focusing on individual jazz instruction, jazz composition, jazz pedagogy, jazz ensemble development, and ensembles, coupled with traditional music history. Two graduate recitals are required.

The DMA in Jazz Studies 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. Three doctoral recitals are required.

Ensemble
USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, Bob Mintzer, music director

Faculty
David Arnay
Gilbert Castellanos
Ndugu Chancler
John Clayton
Peter Erskine
Anne Farnsworth
Russell Ferrante
Angel Figueroa
Jason Goldman
Kathleen Grace
Alphonso Johnson
Kristin Korb
Thom David Mason
Dr. Ronald C. McCurdy
Roy McCurdy
Eddie Meadows
Vince Mendoza
Bob Mintzer
Alan Pasqua
Kim Richmond
Aaron Serfaty
Bob Sheppard
John Thomas
Jacques Voyemant
Bill Watrous
Ben Wendel

Contact
Department of Jazz Studies
USC Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California 90089-0851
(213) 740-3119
uscjazz@usc.edu