School of Music

2024 News Archive

Investments in jazz program reverberate with growing reputation and enthusiasm

The University of South Carolina's jazz studies program is reaping the positive vibes of a revitalized, growing program envisioned by School of Music Dean Tayloe Harding.

Student ensembles featured in concert to kick off School of Music's yearlong centennial celebration

A year in the planning, a Centennial Celebration Concert presented by the School of Music in September invites the university and local communities to share in its historic milestone.

Freeman Sundays premiere alumni compositions to highlight School of Music centennial

Freeman Sundays is among the concerts and special performances with a centennial flair to commemorate the School of Music's 100th anniversary. Designed to showcase its programs, students and faculty, the theme for the yearlong celebration, "Sing Thy High Praise: 100 Years of Music at Carolina," is pulled from the first line of USC's alma mater.

Carolina Alive - USC School of Music's Show Choir Proves Fertile Ground for Ticket to Broadway

For many singers, dancers, and actors appearing on the Broadway stage is the pinnacle of achievement. For a very elite few, this dream becomes a reality, but for those who persevere, challenge themselves, and stay true to their foundations, anything is possible... no matter the age.

USC School of Music receives community enriching donations

The School of Music at the University of South Carolina was recently awarded two donations that will make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians, all through the power of music.

Parekh family leaves lasting legacy

For the first time in the history of the Southeastern Piano Festival at the University of South Carolina's School of Music, a concert was performed on a state-of-the-art Steinway Spirio R concert grand piano. Longtime supporters of the School of Music, Jyotindra (JP) and Mary Parekh, along with a gift from Mary's brother, Richard Samulski, donated the piano to the USC School of Music.

USC Percussion Ensemble wins international competition

Winning the 2024 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition is a remarkable achievement for the University of South Carolina Percussion Ensemble, marking their place as one of the top three college winners. This prestigious award is a testament to their dedication and musical excellence.

A Melodic Legacy

It is a common custom for people in creative fields, such as playwrights and musicians, to call upon their personal muses whenever they embark upon a new project. Now, students at the USC School of Music can look toward visual representations of two of the most famous guitarists in music history when they seek inspiration.

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.

Music alumna Nicole Neely finds her place on the stage

For as long as she can remember, Nicole Neely has had a passion for music. That passion has led her to working with some of the biggest names in music -- like Lauryn Hill, with whom she recently toured.

Music history professor receives prestigious humanities grant

Kunio Hara, an associate professor of music history at the University of South Carolina, has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Stipend.

School of Music Spring 2024 Awards Day

The accomplishments of University of South Carolina students are evident in the classroom, campus, and beyond. We recognize these students for demonstrating personal and academic excellence and a commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service.

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

Music history professor wins teaching innovation award

University of South Carolina School of Music History Professor Sarah Williams was recently awarded the 2024 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.

In a Minor Key: Stephen Mitnaul, '09

In this inaugural feature, "In a Minor Key," we spotlight alumni who minored in music and interview them about how that minor has impacted their careers and lives.

A Budding Endowment

The 2024 Whittaker Commission, sponsored by Mark and Barbara Whittaker, fosters an aspiring young composer.

Training aspiring musicians in the Upstate

A School of Music 2016 DMA graduate is teaching emerging artists to pursue their artistic passions at Greenville's South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities.

New Madama Butterfly Exhibits Brings Opera Out of the Archives and into Students' Hands

A special collection in USC's music library, a professor's innovative approach to teaching opera and a talented group of students have all come together to create a striking new exhibit in the School of Music.

Associate Professor of Composition Receives Charles Ives Fellowship

Associate Professor of Composition Fang Man received the Outstanding Composer Charles Ives Fellowships and Scholarships Award from the February 2024 American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Awards.

Something old, something new

It seems fitting that the University of South Carolina’s Jazz Studies Program would get to start using a “new” space on campus — a renovated church more than 100 years old — under Matt White’s watch. It’s reminiscent of the way he approaches some of his own music.

Striking a Chord

Alumna Taylor Collier creates program at local library to foster a more intimate connection with music.

Colleen Clark Joins the Prestigious Ranks of 8G Drummers

USC School of Music Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies Colleen Clark will sit in as guest drummer with the iconic 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers for four nights beginning January 29.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.