Our Mission
Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina, supplements a traditional music school experience
by preparing musicians for vibrant and sustainable futures. We offer coursework, project
support, guest residencies and other initiatives to foster an environment of creative
learning, skill development and personal exploration. Spark empowers members of the
School of Music community – students, faculty and staff – to develop and explore diverse
and dynamic careers. Spark advocates for the transformative power of music and the
arts to make a difference in our communities, equipping future music leaders with
the tools they need to make a difference.
As a student at the USC School of Music you can:
Explore your unique voice.
Identify opportunities and take chances
Create your vision.
Build a concept, test an idea, reflect on the process, repeat
Engage others.
Advocate for the arts locally, nationally and internationally
Lead into the future.
Broaden and enrich the reach of the arts in our society
Spark Events
Throughout the academic year, Spark creates events to relax, stimulate and engage School of Music students, faculty and staff. Events, dates and times are posted on school video monitors located throughout the school.
Build community and develop tools to thrive in these interactive professional development workshops.
Interact with guest presenters to explore a variety of topics from marketing to improvisation and more.
Keep your mental, emotional and physical health in mind with these weekly reminders and events.
Engage in an intimate and casual setting alongside alumni and guest artists, exploring different ideas and topics through faculty and student-led interviews.
Learn from and be inspired by guest artists and presenters in a variety of performances, master classes, and discussions on campus and in the community.
Enjoy events, snacks and activities that help you relax, rejuvenate and reconnect during Finals Week.
2023-24 Calendar of Events
| September 6 | Grad Mixer | Hosted by SPARK |
| September 20 |
Honing your Artistic Mission for your Musical Career |
Prof. Claire Bryant and The Decoda Project |
| September 27 | The Art of the Hustle (Interactive/Role Play Session) | Jason Calloway and the Amernet Quartet |
| October 4 | Improvisation Workshop | Dr. Colleen Clark |
| October 11 | Get the audition! How to Record a Rockstar Audition | Prof. Dominic Armstrong |
| October 18 | Injuries discussion panel | Dr. Scott Herring and Dr. Ari Streisfeld |
| October 25 | Freelancing 101: Taxes, Contracts & Negotiation | Prof. Jeremy Polley |
| November 8 | Wellness Wednesday: Mindfullness | Dr. Jennifer Parker-Harley |
| November 29 | Wellness Wednesday: Grab & Go | SPARK |