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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Classical Guitar

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Classical Guitar BM provides conservatory-level private study, technique, repertoire, musicianship, and chamber collaboration within a major research university

Individual instruction is supported by theory, aural skills, music history, and performance study

Performance & Productions

Solo recitals and ensemble work develop complete programs and collaborative listening

Professional Development

Thornton's Los Angeles setting connects classical craft with recording, new music, teaching, and cross-genre collaboration

Degree Flexibility

University electives broaden the professional and academic context

School Info

Snapshot

3.86

Avg GPA (W)

10%

Admit Rate

school-wide

92%

Grad Rate

20.4K

Enrollment

$92K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average Net Price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 31m ago

Program Highlights

Training

Classical Guitar BM provides conservatory-level private study, technique, repertoire, musicianship, and chamber collaboration within a major research university

Individual instruction is supported by theory, aural skills, music history, and performance study

Performance & Productions

Solo recitals and ensemble work develop complete programs and collaborative listening

Professional Development

Thornton's Los Angeles setting connects classical craft with recording, new music, teaching, and cross-genre collaboration

Degree Flexibility

University electives broaden the professional and academic context

Program Highlights

Training

Classical Guitar BM provides conservatory-level private study, technique, repertoire, musicianship, and chamber collaboration within a major research university

Individual instruction is supported by theory, aural skills, music history, and performance study

Performance & Productions

Solo recitals and ensemble work develop complete programs and collaborative listening

Professional Development

Thornton's Los Angeles setting connects classical craft with recording, new music, teaching, and cross-genre collaboration

Degree Flexibility

University electives broaden the professional and academic context

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Deadline

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2026

First Year Students · admission.usc.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

$35

Deadline

Application DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Deadlines · music.usc.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

Submit the classical-guitar prescreen repertoire specified by Thornton; invited applicants perform the published live audition repertoire from memory.

Additional Materials

Resume

Upload a current musical resume.

Repertoire List

List studied and performed repertoire.

Statement

Submit the program statement requested in SlideRoom.

Transcript

Transfer applicants upload all college transcripts in SlideRoom.

Recommendation

Optional recommendations may be submitted through SlideRoom.

Classical Guitar Undergraduate · music.usc.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Songs

Live Audition

20 minutes of solo classical-guitar repertoire prepared (faculty may hear only a portion); prescreen pieces may repeat but are not required

At least two selections in contrasting styles (e.g., renaissance, baroque, romantic, Spanish, contemporary)

Demonstrate proficient apoyando and tirando technique, via repertoire or technical exercises (e.g., Giuliani 120 Studies, major/minor scales)

Sightreading may also be tested

Classical Guitar Undergraduate · music.usc.edu

Good to Know

Thornton permits one first-choice Thornton major. The program-specific SlideRoom portfolio is opened from the submitted Common Application. uscmusic.slideroom.com resolves and lists the per-instrument Fall 2027 application windows directly. The Fall 2027 application deadline (December 1, 2026) is now published on Thornton's official deadlines page.

What's The Process

Invited auditions are generally held in late January and early February; exact Fall 2027 dates have not been published.

School Info

Snapshot

3.86

Avg GPA (W)

10%

Admit Rate

school-wide

92%

Grad Rate

20.4K

Enrollment

$92K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average Net Price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Training

Classical Guitar BM provides conservatory-level private study, technique, repertoire, musicianship, and chamber collaboration within a major research university

Individual instruction is supported by theory, aural skills, music history, and performance study

Performance & Productions

Solo recitals and ensemble work develop complete programs and collaborative listening

Professional Development

Thornton's Los Angeles setting connects classical craft with recording, new music, teaching, and cross-genre collaboration

Degree Flexibility

University electives broaden the professional and academic context

Updated 31m ago