<p>Hello
I'm a music student looking at applying to a big name jazz school for my undergrad. USC definitely fits the bill but I have been warned against schools with large music departments ( USC is up there with about 1,000 full time music majors) , having been told that most of my classes would be taught by T.A.'s, I'd practically never see any of the real faculty, and that I would have trouble distinguishing myself as a musician-or standing out amongst hordes like me. Any light you could shed on studying jazz at USC, or standing out in a larger music school?
I appreciate it much-</p>
<p>My d. did her undergrad and masters in music at Thornton. Her classes were never taught by TA’s, only professors and very prestigious ones at that. I think the major difference is at USC an undergrad competes for ensemble spots with grads–masters and doctors, many of whom have completed their undergrad at conservatories–yes, even in jazz. If you are willing to spend time working on your craft and being patient about the opportunities–for example you probably be assigned a combo group but being part of the large jazz orchestra may be much harder. This will give you time to get better but if you are used to being the “best” in may be very humbling at first. </p>
<p>What a strange rumor. My son has never had a TA teach a music classic (he began in studio/jazz guitar, transferred to popular music and will graduate in May). That includes lessons, performance ensembles and even music history type courses. The feel has always been a very small school within a large university, in fact at times a bit too small. I suggest you do a bit more research and talk to actual Thornton music students. There is also a wealth of information on the cc “music” forum, much more so than the general USC forum. And btw, the jazz department has nowhere near 1000 students - that likely includes classical, voice, composition, and grad as well as undergrad. When my son was accepted in studio/jazz guitar, there were 6 freshman guitarists in his “class” total. The numbers were likely quite similar for other jazz instruments (only guitar has it’s own “jazz” department).</p>
<p>jazz1066, </p>
<p>The freshmen class which includes students who will be in the popular music major, composition, music industry and instrument performance is only about 100-110 individuals. Classes are small. Some of the music professors only take two or three freshmen per year. Students work closely with faculty. </p>
<p>Thornton School of Music is over 125 years old. It draws gifted applicants from around the globe. Alumni include Michael Tilson Thomas, Medal of Arts holder, Marilyn Horne, Medal of Arts holder and Morten Lauridsen, Medal of Arts holder. A few other of many famous alumni are jazz guitarist, Lee Ritenour, David Newman, film composer Nathaniel Rosen, noted cellist, Chris Parkening, classical guitarist and Rod Gilfry, baritone.
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The school offers a B.M. in Jazz Studies, Jazz Performance , Instrument or Vocal and Studio/Jazz Guitar, B.M., </p>
<p><a href=“USC Thornton - Lee Ritenour Residency - USC Thornton School of Music”>http://music.usc.edu/usc-thornton-lee-ritenour-residency/</a></p>
<p>Thanks for the input, I’m seeking to find out even more when I visit the campus and talk to some students. </p>