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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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BM Popular Music

Bass

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program Recognition

Popular Music program launched in 2009 and centers contemporary artistry in Los Angeles

Training

Four-year, 132-unit BM emphasizes groove, collaboration, private study, songwriting, arranging, production, studio technique, entrepreneurship, core music, and university electives

Performance & Productions

Small-group performance and senior showcases develop original material for public presentation

Bass emphasis develops pocket, tone, chart reading, arranging awareness, and collaboration across rock, pop, R&B, Latin, folk, and country settings

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

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 Sep 9, 7:37 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Popular Music program launched in 2009 and centers contemporary artistry in Los Angeles

Training

Four-year, 132-unit BM emphasizes groove, collaboration, private study, songwriting, arranging, production, studio technique, entrepreneurship, core music, and university electives

Performance & Productions

Small-group performance and senior showcases develop original material for public presentation

Bass emphasis develops pocket, tone, chart reading, arranging awareness, and collaboration across rock, pop, R&B, Latin, folk, and country settings

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Popular Music program launched in 2009 and centers contemporary artistry in Los Angeles

Training

Four-year, 132-unit BM emphasizes groove, collaboration, private study, songwriting, arranging, production, studio technique, entrepreneurship, core music, and university electives

Performance & Productions

Small-group performance and senior showcases develop original material for public presentation

Bass emphasis develops pocket, tone, chart reading, arranging awareness, and collaboration across rock, pop, R&B, Latin, folk, and country settings

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$85

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

Video prescreen: 3-5 selections, original or from existing popular-music repertoire (contemporary pop/rock, folk rock, R&B/urban, country, Latin/salsa/samba, or Great American Songbook); self-accompanied, with a musician, or with a band; plus a one-minute verbal introduction on career goals and fit with the Bass emphasis

Additional Materials

Video

Submit a single-take, unedited 1-2 minute introductory video answering the Thornton prompt

Submit the Popular Music Final Project video, maximum two minutes, proposing a senior project idea and explaining why

Resume

Submit a musical resume, generally 1-2 pages

List musical, professional, and academic experience

Repertoire List

Repertoire list: include works studied or performed from the popular music canon

Repertoire list may include original compositions that showcase popular music work

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Thornton faculty-review letters may be submitted through the SlideRoom References section by December 1

Questionnaire

Questionnaire/form: complete and upload the Thornton waiver and release of liability form in SlideRoom

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Songs

Live Audition

3-5 selections for faculty to choose from (may repeat prescreen selections or be entirely different); heard in full or as excerpts

May include sight reading, two-octave scales/modes, rhythmic patterns, improvisation, and stylistic grooves (blues, shuffle, funk, etc.)

No accompanist provided; self-accompany, bring a musician, or use recorded accompaniment

Additional Materials

Recorded accompaniment device (optional)

Good to Know

Thornton permits one first-choice Thornton major. The emphasis-specific SlideRoom portfolio is opened from the submitted Common Application. uscmusic.slideroom.com resolves and lists this emphasis's Fall 2027 application window; the Fall 2027 application deadline is December 1, 2026, confirmed 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

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

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 Recognition

Popular Music program launched in 2009 and centers contemporary artistry in Los Angeles

Training

Four-year, 132-unit BM emphasizes groove, collaboration, private study, songwriting, arranging, production, studio technique, entrepreneurship, core music, and university electives

Performance & Productions

Small-group performance and senior showcases develop original material for public presentation

Bass emphasis develops pocket, tone, chart reading, arranging awareness, and collaboration across rock, pop, R&B, Latin, folk, and country settings

Updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM