<p>Hi ShredderMom,
Curious what your son thought of program now 4 years later??
How was Frank Portenza? Did he get to do any classical guitar there? Any opportunities to play in studio scene in LA or nightclubs?</p>
<p>Jazz/Shreddermom’s son transferred from the jazz program to Popular Music after his first semester at USC. I think, from all her posts over the years, that he’s had a fantastic experience, and lots of opportunities, as well as connections made. When you’ve enough posts (over 15 or so) CC will allow you to PM her. I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you all about USC. (I don’t think her son, though, played classical guitar.)</p>
<p>Were the guitarists top notch there??</p>
<p>This thread is 3 1/2 years old and a lot can change in that time; faculty turnovers, program shifts…
It might be better to start a new thread with specific questions so that current info can be posted.</p>
<p>Hi there! My son did not play classical (although he did take some classic lessons his first year), but other students do (and there was a classical emphasis in the studio/jazz major when my son enrolled - I assume there still is). My son’s switching to popular from studio/jazz might tell you a bit about how we felt and continues to feel about the program he left, but everyone is different and looking for something different. </p>
<p>As for playing in LA, we are local and my son was already playing all over the city as he continues to do (he is in several bands - rock and jazz - and does studio work as well). Many USC students do the same - but that is entirely up to the student no matter what school. There are also venues on campus where the students play all the time.</p>
<p>Have you looked into Belmont in Nashville, TN?</p>