Overview
A long tradition of excellence in vocal and operatic training has brought the USC Thornton vocal arts department international recognition. Its graduates and former members of the USC Thornton Opera have consistently been finalists and winners of prestigious competitions and are leading recitalists and members of opera companies and voice faculties in America and abroad. The curriculum emphasizes the development of secure vocal technique; artistry in the interpretation of a richly varied, representative repertoire; perfection of diction in English and foreign languages; and frequent solo and ensemble performance. In addition, opportunities will be offered for enriched experience through weekly student recitals and workshops and master classes with visiting artist-teachers and resident faculty.

The USC Thornton Opera is an integral part of the vocal arts department, providing career development opportunities for singers, coach/pianists, conductors and directors. The program includes instruction in opera history and literature, coaching techniques, stage direction, body movement for singers, stage training, role study and analysis. The opera workshop is a repertory experience involving preparation and performance of operatic works and excerpts for performance both on and off the USC campus.

Degrees Offered
BM, MM, DMA, Graduate Certificate

Curriculum
The BM in vocal arts performance is a four-year, 132-unit program consisting of course work in the major (individual instruction, acting for singers, word and music in opera, pedagogy, diction, song literature), core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, ensembles) and USC's general education and writing program. Junior and senior recitals are required.

The MM in vocal arts performance is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of individual instruction, ensembles, cantata and oratorio, pedagogy, vocal literature, music history and electives. A graduate recital is required.

The DMA in vocal arts performance 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. Four doctoral recitals are required.

The Graduate Certificate in vocal arts performance is a two-year, 16-unit program consisting of individual instruction, studio class, and two ensembles (or the equivalent thereof) each semester.

Ensembles
USC Thornton Opera homepage

Faculty
Ken Cazan
Barbara Dyer
Parmer Fuller
Rod Gilfry
Gary Glaze
Elizabeth Hynes
Shigemi Matsumoto
Brent McMunn
Janice McVeigh
Cynthia Munzer
Vicki Muto
Lisa Sylvester
David Wilkinson

Contact:
Department of Vocal Arts and Opera
USC Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California 90089-0851
(213) 740-7704
uscramohall@gmail.com