USC Thorton School of MusicFounded in 1884, and today the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, the USC Thornton School of Music consistently ranks among the nation's top music schools and conservatories.4.1 out of 5
4.1 out of 5
Hot take
USC Thornton School of Music sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering one of the most stylistically diverse educations in the country. Its integration with Los Angeles' vibrant music scene gives students direct access to industry opportunities, and the curriculum spans everything from classical and jazz to music industry, screen scoring, and popular music. Esteemed faculty and cross-campus collaborations encourage a holistic approach, while options for double majors and minors foster flexibility. On the flip side, Thornton's prestige comes with steep tuition costs, and its status as a large, legacy institution can sometimes feel impersonal or competitive for students craving individual attention. Still, for those who thrive in a dynamic, big-city environment and want a springboard into the heart of the industry, Thornton is hard to beat.
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Pros
Extensive and diverse music programs
Prime location in Los Angeles with real-world industry connections
World-class faculty and visiting professionals
Encourages cross-disciplinary learning and double majors
Strong alumni network and career support
Opportunities in classical, jazz, pop, music industry, and screen scoring
Cons
High tuition and living costs
Large institution can feel impersonal
Highly competitive admission and environment
Traditional structure may not suit nonconformist artists
Key Features
Comprehensive music industry program
Conservatory-style classical training
Jazz studies and popular music
Screen scoring and music production
Cross-campus double majors and minors
Distinguished faculty
Location in downtown Los Angeles
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