Launching its second century of music on the University of South Carolina campus, the School of Music is looking to the future with exciting and unique new initiatives that build on its mission to share the power and promise of artistic enrichment to touch lives and build community.
For Buford Norman and his late wife, Elizabeth Joiner, both retired USC French faculty members, music was more than a shared interest, it was the background, the bond, and often, the balm.
David Cutler, distinguished professor of music entrepreneurship, is on a quest to help musicians, artists and educators thrive.
Through the lens of disability studies and traditional Irish music, Alexandria Carrico challenges conventional ideas of musical talent and expression.
The University of South Carolina's comprehensive music education curricula balances theory with practical experience to prepare students for accreditation and state certification requirements.
When a bold idea meets the right partners, lives can change. That belief came to life in early 2025, when the University of South Carolina School of Music launched a groundbreaking initiative to bring high-quality music education to communities across the state that have long gone without it. Thanks to the visionary support of the Gretsch Foundation, twelve passionate musicians became the inaugural graduates of the new Music Teaching Artist Certificate (MTAC) Program -- a first-of-its-kind effort designed to equip working artists to fill critical gaps in arts education, particularly in South Carolina's rural and underrepresented areas.
With an impressive lineup of guest artists, the 2025 Southeastern Piano Festival offers participants and audiences an opportunity to sample a variety of musical contexts from classical and to jazz.
Hosted by the Friends of the School of Music, this annual celebration supports scholarships that enable talented students to pursue their musical dreams.
The USC School of Music is lending one of its professors to Academic Affairs during the next three years.
Musical Theatre senior Sarah Alexander calls the upcoming production of the new musical Rocky Mountain High a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's also a significant milestone for one of the newest concentrations at the School of Music.
This year has been a homecoming for Andy Akiho. The Columbia native who studied at the University of South Carolina School of Music has been back in town recently for performances of his music, and if he hasn't been in town, his music has been.
Our spring Awards Day ceremony recognizes the many accomplishments of our music community during the academic year. Congratulations to the recipients!
Music theory and composition, as well as music industry studies, will each have a new faculty member in Fall 2025.
The University of South Carolina School of Music takes great pride in celebrating its faculty and their accomplishments. Congratulations to these recent award-winners.
The USC Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with two "massive events" in April.
Members of Opera at USC are loading sets and costumes for a unique tour around the Palmetto State in March.
The USC School of Music is pleased to welcome Clinton Smith as Assistant Professor and Music Director/Conductor of Opera at USC.
Ask voice and choral studies students why they chose to attend the University of South Carolina's School of Music, and their answers strike common notes that include its welcoming and collaborative culture; opportunities to explore a variety of musical interests; and knowledgeable, talented professors who inspire and empower.
The Concert Choir, the University of South Carolina's flagship choral ensemble, will soon embark on its spring tour. A commissioned work at the centerpiece of its spring tour program, "While I Breathe, I Hope: The Journey Home," was made possible by the support of USC School of Music patrons.
Accomplished educator, researcher, and performer Lani Hamilton will join the University of South Carolina Music Education program in Fall Semester of 2025.
Music professor and director of orchestras Dr. Scott Weiss recently was presented with the "Order of the Palmetto," the highest civilian honor awarded by the governor of South Carolina.
Opportunities to work on stage, backstage and in the house allow students studying opera at USC to expand their skills and help make them more marketable job candidates.
Lots of people like to party, but few have found a way to make a career of it. To be clear, Emily Ruth Allen isn't a full-time partyer -- she's an instructor of music and music history with a dual appointment in music and Southern studies. But she has a particular interest in parties -- specifically, in the culture of Mardi Gras and more generally in festivals and celebratory rituals.
Matt McCord, '95 music, is a onetime marching band trumpet player, a former Carolina drum major and a Gamecock football season ticket holder. He is also a father of three -- and he's determined to pass his outsized Carolina pride to the next generation.
In celebration of the centennial celebration of 100 Years of Music at Carolina, the USC School of Music instituted two new alumni awards to be awarded annually. The alumni awards celebrate alumni of the School of Music who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and service to their profession or to their community.
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