Solange Joins USC Thornton as First Scholar in Residence
Solange, the Grammy-winning artist and cultural curator, has been appointed as the first all-school scholar in residence at the USC Thornton School of Music. This groundbreaking role will see her work across various disciplines within the school, focusing on the burgeoning field of music curation.
Over the past two decades, Solange has established a diverse career that encompasses music, choreography, design, and visual arts. Her multidisciplinary institution, Saint Heron, which she founded in 2013, recently launched a free library aimed at preserving and sharing rare Black and brown literature. This new residency at USC marks a significant step in her career, as she collaborates with Jason King, the Dean of the Thornton School, to develop innovative curricular offerings in music curation.
Innovative Program Development
Solange announced her residency during a sold-out talk at USC, alongside Dean King and fellow Saint Heron collaborators. Her three-year program, which begins this week, aims to create the school’s first academic courses in music curation, a role that integrates the work of creative directors, documentary filmmakers, and DJs.
According to USC, Solange will teach a course tentatively titled “Records of Discovery: Methodologies for Music and Cultural Curatorial Practices.” Set to launch in Fall 2027, the course will explore the intricacies of establishing curatorial frameworks while addressing the craft and contextual creation of musical landscapes. The details will be formally announced closer to the course’s start date.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Solange will facilitate student-focused workshops and discussions, including a session on “The Making of Eldorado Ballroom,” her acclaimed series that debuted at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in October 2024. She will also engage in a symposium at USC, focusing on women in classical music and the contributions of composer Julia Perry.
A Personal and Professional Journey
Reflecting on her new role, Solange expressed that it represents a culmination of her diverse experiences. “I am a GED graduate,” she told The Times. “I was a teenage mom. I was pregnant with my son at 17, so I didn’t get to further my education in the classical sense. But I was really blessed and honored to have enriched these other parts of education through my art, through travel, and through the globalization of my life.”
Solange emphasized her desire to guide students by sharing her own journey. “I feel really inspired by the idea of my 15-year-old self being able to have someone sort of walk me through the footsteps of what I was about to embark on,” she stated. Her hope is to serve as a vessel of guidance for students navigating their own paths in the music industry.
Dean King, a long-time admirer of Solange’s work, believes her unique vision will greatly benefit students at the Thornton School. He remarked, “The work that she does as a music curator is very singular and very unique, so I’m hoping that she’s going to bring that uniqueness into the classroom and her programming.”
Solange’s innovative approach to music curation, exemplified in her albums such as “When I Get Home” and “A Seat at the Table,” positions her as a pioneering figure in this emerging field. Her residency at USC Thornton is not only a significant milestone in her career but also a tremendous opportunity for students eager to explore the future of music.
