<p>The Thornton School of Music at USC will have new practice facilities for fall 2010. They will be located on the lower floor of the brand new Gateway building. Rooms will be soundproofed and have instrument lockers. </p>
<p>At this time the university is working on plans for a new security system for the Thornton practice area, including access.</p>
<p>Thank you Georgia Girl!</p>
<p>It’s good to know what to expect in the fall. The security is always an important concern and appreciated detail. The facility will be similar to PIC but probably nicer. :)</p>
<p>It’s good that they’re getting new facilities, but I didn’t think that this was a great idea. Great publicity for University Gateway of course, but our music students should really be getting this sort of thing from USC itself, not an outside company.</p>
<p>What exactly is University Gateway?</p>
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<p>How is it not being provided by USC? USC is the one operating the space.</p>
<p>University Gateway is a new student housing apartment compex just across the street from campus. Here’s the website: [University</a> Gateway - USC University Housing](<a href=“http://www.livegw.com/]University”>http://www.livegw.com/)</p>
<p>Apparently they had built in room in the basement for until-now-undetermined use by USC students. Since the VKC library is staying around, and PIC (the old practice facility) is being demolished, I guess Thornton decided that this was a viable option.</p>
<p>I would have liked to see practice rooms perhaps in the new Ronald Tutor Campus Center, but as I understand it all the space in that building has been claimed.</p>
<p>The older practice rooms for Thornton students will be demolished at the end of this semester. The Gateway lower floor had always been earmarked for USC academic use. The university is footing the bill for the configuration of the rooms, needed soundproofing and whatever security system will be selected.</p>
<p>Space in the Tutor Center has been reserved for a long time. Also, my guess is USC might feel Gateway would offer more square footage as well as security for those valuable instruments.</p>
<p>When compared to some of the midwestern universities where land is relatively inexpensive compared to Los Angeles, the practive facilities will not be that far away from the dorms.</p>
<p>For those who are familiar with the campus the Gateway Complex is located at the corner of Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard. That is quite close to the Galen Center. About a block away are the New Residential College and North Residential College.</p>
<p>From checking the map I would guess it would be about a five minute walk to the Leavey Library.</p>
<p>The location actually looks quite close to many of the freshman dorms.</p>
<p>^But not the one my son signed up for! 
Oh well - he knows what he wants. I guess it means some good exercise.:)</p>
<p>jazz Mom,
You might check with one of the current students who post here, but I think your son’s dorm has some practice rooms.
At the most by bike it would take just a few minutes to ride from that dorm to Gateway.</p>
<p>Hey Georgia Girl, where did you get this information from? I’m a music student at USC and I haven’t heard **** about it, only the rumor of Gateway but no confirmation. Is the move to Gateway now fully confirmed and on board?</p>
<p>Jets,
I have been working with the development office for the school. They knew of my concern regarding practice areas. I received permission to post the information on a public board.</p>
<p>If you PM me I can give you the name of the individual.</p>
<p>Are the practice rooms only available to music major at Thornton or can other student who play or sing sign up and use them as well? THANKS.</p>
<p>^ you can use it if you have a music class and get a little sticker on your id card. However, nobody really seems to check. The rooms are locked but you can usually just find an open door.</p>