Overview
With over 1,000 music majors, the USC Thornton School counts among its alumni collegiate and public school music educators all across the country serving as role models for excellence in musicianship and music education worldwide. Graduates from the USC Thornton School are consistently the first choice by professional performing ensembles and schools looking for the finest musicians and teachers.
In the USC Thornton Master of Arts in Teaching Music (MAT) program, the USC Thornton School has developed a true and innovative plan that prepares an outstanding musician to become an exceptional music educator. The degree leads to California certification to teach music in the public schools. Admission to the program requires a bachelor of music degree from an NASM-accredited institution and the successful completion of an interview or audition with the music education faculty. The program is jointly administered by the USC Thornton School of Music and the USC Rossier School of Education.
Degrees Offered
MAT, MM
Curriculum Requirements
The MAT, jointly administered by the USC Rossier School of Education and the USC Thornton School of Music, is a one-year 37 unit program which prepares students who hold a bachelor of music degree to become outstanding music educators. By taking course work at the Rossier School of Education and the Thornton School of Music, students emerge with a master’s degree and teaching certification. For applications and further information, see the USC Rossier School of Education or call (213) 740-3471.
The MM is a two-year, 30-unit program consisting of course work in music education and music history as well as individual instruction in piano, an orchestral instrument, or voice and ensemble. A thesis is required.
Faculty
Robert Cutietta
Matt Falker
Susan Helfter
Gwendolyn McGraw
John L. Whitener
Sheila C. Woodward
Contact
Department of Music Education
USC Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California 90089-0851
(213) 740-3211
burmood@thornton.usc.edu
Based on the 2007-2008 academic year, the following are estimated two-semester costs at USC for a full-time undergraduate (taking 12-18 units each semester) living in university housing or living in non-university owned housing and not with parents or relatives (students living with parents and or relatives have a budget that is $8,840 lower):