USC Thornton Jazz Studies

The first collaborative multi-track recording project from one of USC's "non-major" jazz combos. Spring 2020.

KNOWER with TJO 2.24.20 - one of the best concerts I've ever seen at USC. Great energy, focus, creativity... what a collaboration!KNOWER with TJO 2.24.20 - one of the best concerts I've ever seen at USC. Great energy, focus, creativity... what a collaboration!

This is our (ALAJE's) most ambitious project to date.

Tonight Monday February 10, 2020 at 9PM ALAJE is playing at the Carson Soundstage at USC, FREE. Music from Celia Cruz, Cubanismo, Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Francisco Torres and more. Bring your dancing shoes!

This past weekend, USC Thornton faculty and alumni from across the school were featured and praised by major news outlets. From a classical composition deemed a... masterpiece in the Los Angeles Times to a celebration of the legacy of funk music in The New York Times, the coverage highlighted one of the unique aspects of the school: Every genre of music and musicianship is thriving at an exceptional level. It’s all here, under one roof. Read more: bit.ly/2JRjN2g

Maestro Bill Platt gave a snare drumming masterclass today that these jazz students shall never forget. Thank you, Bill!

As we begin a new school year at the Thornton School of Music we'd like to introduce our incredible faculty. Welcome to all our new and returning students and have a wonderful year!

Faculty master class last Tuesday. It doesn't get much better than these gentlemen.

Location plays a huge role in the lives and careers of young musicians. USC Thornton students thrive in the immense and diverse music culture in Los Angeles. But what’s their favorite thing about LA?

World class drummers, USC Jazz faculty Peter Erskine and Will Kennedy shoot the breeze in the DCM courtyard.

USC Thornton School of Music senior Trevor Zemtseff, his proud parents, plus Chris Sampson and me following Trevor’s triumphant recital and Capstone Project, W...hy We Kneel. Truly one of the best and most evocative recital presentations I’ve seen anywhere. Beautifully conceived and performed, BRAVO to everyone involved. I’m a proud professor. See more

USC Jazz piano faculty David Arnay in performance with legendary woodwind artist Bennie Maupin at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica, Feb. 3, 2019.

Carl Allen in masterclass performance action. Proud of everyone who came and participated! Thank you Zildjian, DW, Remo and Vater for your support of Carl's visit to USC. Carl's playing (especially that incredible opening solo based on "Now's the Time") was an inspiration, and so was his teaching. Bravo, Carl Allen! Thanks also to the Jazz and Jazz Drumming departments for their support.