Raphael Saadiq, the renowned Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist (known for his work with D’Angelo, Solange, and TV series Insecure), is set to make a significant impact as the inaugural member of the USC Thornton School of Music's Dean's Creative Vanguard Program. This partnership, exclusively revealed by Billboard, will bring a wealth of creative expertise and mentorship to the students.

Unlock Musical Potential with Raphael Saadiq at USC Thornton

Raphael Saadiq's New Role and Mentorship

Raphael Saadiq will be working closely with the senior students in Thornton's pop performance program. He will assist them in developing and refining their original songwriting and live performance skills. Collaborating with him will be USC faculty member and artist/producer Tim Kobza. This unique opportunity allows students to gain firsthand experience in the creative process and music production by working at his esteemed Blakeslee Recording Studio. A special showcase featuring the student creatives is scheduled to take place at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on March 9.This new role is a testament to Saadiq's commitment to nurturing young talent and sharing his vast knowledge and experience. His insights and experiences will be beneficial as he shares, grows, and inspires the students. It takes him back to his own time as a student, and he is excited to be a part of this creative exchange.

The Dean's Creative Vanguard Program - An Initiative for Creative Interaction

Officially launching in 2025 under the direction of USC Thornton School of Music dean Jason King, the Dean's Creative Vanguard Program is an initiative designed to foster creative interaction between a diverse group of distinguished music artists and Thornton students. Masterclasses, workshops, private instruction, and public discussions are among the collaborative efforts that make up this initiative. Each artist selected for the program is expected to exemplify certain qualities such as creative leadership, culture-defining impact, collaboration, interdisciplinary exploration, innovation and experimentation, and representation of the musical continuum.This program provides a unique platform for students to learn from and collaborate with some of the most influential music artists in the industry. It aims to inspire the next generation of musicians and songwriters and prepare them for successful careers in the music world.

Saadiq's Impact and the Excitement Surrounding the Program

In the wake of earning four nominations in the upcoming 67th annual Grammy Awards for his contributions to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, Saadiq recently met and visited with the Thornton students. He was thrilled to interact with them and the faculty members who make the program possible. His experience with the students was inspiring, as they had great questions and showed great potential.Sean Holt, vice dean of USC Thornton's contemporary music division and a musician/producer, added that they are excited to have an icon like Raphael Saadiq work with them this semester. The students got to meet him not only as a maestro but as a fellow practitioner and a fellow traveler. His guidance and sharing from the heart will have a profound impact on the students as they prepare for their senior showcase in the spring.This program is set to have a lasting impact on the music scene at USC Thornton and beyond. It brings together the best of both worlds - the expertise of established music artists and the raw talent of the students. With Saadiq's involvement, the future looks bright for the Thornton School of Music and its students.