Spring 2025

Performance (Keyboard Studies) (MPKS)

• http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/programs/keys/
• D class assignments available in TMC-200; Phone: (213) 740-4721.
• Students accepted into a graduate program must take entrance examinations prior to their first registration. Any deficiencies revealed must be removed prior to completion of two semesters of course work. Transferring undergraduate students registering for the first time who have previous course work must take the appropriate examination for placement. Contact the Thornton School Office of Student Affairs for information. INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION - 1 unit has a $350 fee, and includes 7.5 hours of total instruction. 2 units has a $700 fee, and includes 15 hours of total instruction. Contact school for course level guide.

MPKS 150a: Beginning Piano (2.0 units)

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors.

• Restriction: Registration closed to the following major(s): Music
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45403R	001	Lecture	2:00-2:50pm	Mon, Wed	16 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45406R	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	8 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45409R	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Tue, Thu	15 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45411R	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	9 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45412R	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	16 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45415R	001	Lecture	12:00-12:50pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45418R	001	Lecture	1:00-1:50pm	Tue, Thu	14 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45421R	001	Lecture	2:00-2:50pm	Tue, Thu	12 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45424R	001	Lecture	5:00-5:50pm	Mon, Wed	8 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45425R	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	11 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45427R	001	Lecture	4:00-4:50pm	Tue, Thu	13 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213

MPKS 150b: Beginning Piano (2.0 units)

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship.Not open to music majors.

• Prerequisite: MPKS 150a
• Restriction: Registration closed to the following major(s): Music
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45435R	001	Lecture	3:00-3:50pm	Mon, Wed	9 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213
45441R	001	Lecture	5:00-5:50pm	Tue, Thu	14 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213

MPKS 150c: Beginning Piano (2.0 units)

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 150B or MUPF 150B)
• Restriction: Registration closed to the following major(s): Music
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45450R	001	Lecture	3:00-3:50pm	Tue, Thu	2 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213

MPKS 153: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

• Note: As part of ReDesign, individual instruction at the 153-level now includes performance class, as assigned by your lesson instructor

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Organ
45465D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45470D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 160b: Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors I (2.0 units)

Sight-reading and principles of style as related to intermediate literature; c- clef and open score reading; improvisation and functional harmony. Introduction to standard reference works, periodicals. Required of all keyboard majors.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 160A or MUPF 160A)
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45477D	001	Lecture	12:00-12:50pm	Mon, Wed	5 of 16	Sung-Hwa Park	MUS213

MPKS 228: Four-Hand Keyboard Repertoire (1.0 units, max 4)

Preparation and performance of literature for piano duets and duo-piano.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45485D	001	Lecture	12:00-12:50pm	Friday	5 of 12	Bernadene Blaha	RHM310

MPKS 250b: Keyboard Instruction I (2.0 units)

Beginning and elementary instruction: emphasis on reading skills, harmonization, transposition, score reading, improvisation; group instruction in a keyboard laboratory facility.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 250A or MUPF 250A)
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45506D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	MWF	9 of 16	Stephen Pierce	MUS213

MPKS 253: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

• Note: As part of ReDesign, individual instruction at the 253-level now includes performance class, as assigned by your lesson instructor

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Organ
45525D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45530D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 260b: Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors II (2.0 units)

Sight- reading and principles of style as related to lower advanced literature; extended score reading; improvisation and functional harmony. Mini-survey; basic keyboard literature.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 260A or MUPF 260A)
• Note: For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45540D	001	Lecture	1:00-1:50pm	Mon, Wed	5 of 16	Sung-Hwa Park	MUS213

MPKS 300x: Non-Major Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 16)

Intermediate and advanced instruction designed for non-music majors. Not available for credit to music majors.

• Note: Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Organ
45555D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45560D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	20 of 45	Stephen Pierce	RHM104

MPKS 301: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 16)

Intermediate and advanced instruction on secondary instrument for music majors, on principle instrument for music minors and B.A. music majors. Open only to music majors and minors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Music, Jazz Studies, Music Industry, Music Recording, Composition, Composition (Film Scoring), Electroacoustic Media, Jazz Studies (Vocal), Music Education, Bassoon, Clarinet, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Flute, French Horn, Harp, Harpsichord, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Studio Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Violoncello, Vocal Arts
• Note: Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Harpsichord
45575D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
Organ
45580D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Organ Service Playing
45583D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45585D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	9 of 30	Stephen Pierce	RHM104

MPKS 353: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

• Note: As part of ReDesign, individual instruction at the 353-level now includes performance class, as assigned by your lesson instructor.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Organ
45605D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45610D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	9 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 360b: Keyboard Collaboration in Vocal Repertoire/Instrumental Repe (2.0 units)

Techniques of keyboard collaboration with vocalists and instrumentalists.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 360A or MUPF 360A)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45617D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Thursday	10 of 25	Bernadene Blaha	MUS105

MPKS 431b: Piano Pedagogy: Introduction and Practicum (2.0 units)

The learning process at the keyboard; pedagogy and methodology of beginning methods. Studio/group instruction: children/adults. 431a: survey and observation. 431b: practice teaching: beginners.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 431A or MUPF 431A)
• Note: Course will meet in studio, RHM 304

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45627D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	3 of 7	Stephen Pierce	RHM104

MPKS 450b: Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature and Functional Skills (2.0 units)

Methods, study of college curriculum keyboard classes. Studio/group instruction. Business practices; audition, interview techniques. 450a: Survey and observation. 450b practice teaching; secondary piano classes.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MPKS 450A or MUED 450A)
• Note: Course will meet in RHM 200.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45640D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tuesday	3 of 10	Stephen Pierce	RHM104

MPKS 453: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

• Note: As part of ReDesign, individual instruction at the 453-level now includes perfromance class, as assigned by your lesson instructor

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Organ
45655D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45660D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 472b: Piano History and Literature (2.0 units)

Solo piano literature; emphasis on composers' influences, performance practices and the development of the pianoforte. a: Late Baroque through Beethoven. b: Schubert to the present.

• Prerequisite: MPKS 472A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45682D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Monday	3 of 12	Katelyn Vahala	MUS208

MPKS 482: Interpretation of Music of the Classical Period (2.0 units, max 6)

Rigorous analysis of issues of Classical period performance practice and interpretation; Intensive coaching and in-class performances of solo and chamber repertoire.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45688D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tuesday	9 of 20	Lucinda Carver	MUS106

MPKS 490x: Directed Research (1.0-8.0 units, max 12)

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior, Senior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45690D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
45696D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Ladd Thomas	RHM104

MPKS 501: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Secondary instruction for graduate music majors or instruction for graduate non-music majors.

• Note: Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Collaborative Piano
45710D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 30	Kevin Fitz-Gerald	RHM104
Harpsichord
45720D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
Organ
45725D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Organ Service Playing
45730D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 10	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45735D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Stephen Pierce	RHM104

MPKS 520: Special Studies in Solo Repertoire for Piano (2.0 units, max 12)

Historical, stylistic and pedagogical aspects of solo repertoire. Special emphasis to be determined by the department.

• Note: Topic: Neglected Keyboard Music Throughout History

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45742D	060	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 25	Stewart Gordon	ONLINE

MPKS 553: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Collaborative Piano
45765D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 30	Kevin Fitz-Gerald	RHM104
Organ
45775D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45780D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	14 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 554: Graduate Certificate Performance (4.0 units, max 16)

Individual instruction and related lab participation for Graduate Certificate students.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45787D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 25	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
45789D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 5	Ladd Thomas	RHM104

MPKS 560: Song Interpretation Master Class (2.0 units, max 12)

Performance masterclass for advanced singers and pianists.

• Note: Course will meet in RHM 200.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45792D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	0 of 6	Victoria Kirsch	RHM104
45793D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	3 of 6	Victoria Kirsch	RHM104

MPKS 561: Chamber Music Interpretation Master Class (2.0 units, max 12)

Performance masterclass for advanced pianists and instrumentalists.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45795D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	6 of 6 (1 on waitlist)	Kevin Fitz-Gerald	MUS106
45796D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	5 of 6 (1 on waitlist)	Kevin Fitz-Gerald	MUS106

MPKS 590: Directed Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the Master's Degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45800D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
45815D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 5	Ladd Thomas	RHM104

MPKS 653: Performance (1.0-2.0 units, max 12)

Individual or master class instruction for D.M.A. Performance majors.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Collaborative Piano
45820D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 30	Kevin Fitz-Gerald	RHM104
Organ
45830D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Ladd Thomas	RHM104
Piano
45835D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	20 of 30	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 754: Artist Diploma Performance (4.0 units, max 16)

Individual instruction and related lab participation for Artist Diploma students.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45860D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 5	Lucinda Carver	RHM104

MPKS 790: Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
45875D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Lucinda Carver	RHM104
45877D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Ladd Thomas	RHM104