School of Music

School of Music News

Enriching lives through music

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.

Southeastern Piano Festival: A cultural destination that showcases musicians and USC's School of Music

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.

Musical Feast returns May 17 to celebrate 100 years of music at Carolina

Hosted by the Friends of the School of Music, this annual celebration supports scholarships that enable talented students to pursue their musical dreams.

Music historian selected to lead USC's Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning

The USC School of Music is lending one of its professors to Academic Affairs during the next three years.

As Musical Theatre concentration grows, students enjoy diverse opportunities and exciting experiences

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.

Columbia native, USC alum, Pulitzer finalist brings his music home

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.

School of Music Spring 2025 Awards Day

Our spring Awards Day ceremony recognizes the many accomplishments of our music community during the academic year. Congratulations to the recipients!

USC School of Music welcomes two faculty members to its Academics area

Music theory and composition, as well as music industry studies, will each have a new faculty member in Fall 2025.

Music history and education faculty recognized for academic excellence

The University of South Carolina School of Music takes great pride in celebrating its faculty and their accomplishments. Congratulations to these recent award-winners.

School of Music's centennial celebration culminates with two special performances

The USC Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with two "massive events" in April.

Opera at USC spreads "musical joy and wonder" across South Carolina

Members of Opera at USC are loading sets and costumes for a unique tour around the Palmetto State in March.

New music director/conductor of Opera at USC named

The USC School of Music is pleased to welcome Clinton Smith as Assistant Professor and Music Director/Conductor of Opera at USC.

Supportive culture and student-centered faculty make USC the perfect home for voice and choral students

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 journey home

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.

Music education program welcomes new associate professor

Accomplished educator, researcher, and performer Lani Hamilton will join the University of South Carolina Music Education program in Fall Semester of 2025.

Music professor awarded Order of the Palmetto

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.

Learning every aspect of an opera production prepares students for diverse careers

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.

Faculty Spotlight: Emily Ruth Allen

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: Drumming Up Scholarships

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.

2024-25 Alumni Awards Announced

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.

Hands-on learning opportunities and industry connections lead to exponential growth of Music Industry Studies

The global music recording market is estimated to be $74 billion a year, with opportunities in areas such as production, distribution, recording, writing and publishing, management and performing. USC's Music Industry Studies program offers a diverse curriculum that aims to prepare students for a variety of careers.

It's fundamental

Before taking that shiny musical composition out for a spin, it makes sense to take a little look under the hood to understand how it works. Theory and history faculty at the University of South Carolina School of Music educate their students about the mechanics and foundations of music-making.

Hitting the right keys

This fall will mark the 25th year of the Carolina LifeSong Initiative, a program started by Scott Price, Carolina Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina, to provide piano lessons and creative music-making experiences for students with autism and other special needs.

USC Student Senate Recognizes Music Centennial

The 116th Student Senate of the University of South Carolina honored the Centennial of the USC School of Music with a resolution.

New USC Music Teaching Artist Certificate Program Announced

Acknowledging South Carolina's current music teacher shortage and the deficit in opportunities for some students to learn musical instruments, the University of South Carolina School of Music has created a new certificate program for musicians who wish to support music learning throughout all South Carolina schools.

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