Michael Tilson Thomas, who has amassed many honors during his half-century-plus in music, now adds the title of professor. The 1967 (Bachelor of Music) and 1976 (Master of Music) alumnus of the USC Thornton School of Music has been named Judge Widney Professor of Music at his old school. The appointment takes effect in fall 2015.
“Michael Tilson Thomas stands among USC’s most distinguished alumni, and our students will benefit tremendously from his exceptional experience and expertise,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias. “Given his long-standing and illustrious career, he is a singular role model, particularly for our students at USC Thornton. In becoming a Judge Widney Professor, he joins a select group of distinguished individuals, including Frank Gehry, Dana Gioia and Gen. David Petraeus, all of whom have graciously agreed to serve as mentors for our talented students.”
(MTT, Gehry, Gioia and ... Petraeus? Interesting. Apparently, the general has also taught recently at Harvard and City University of New York, greeted by protests.)
Robert A. Cutietta, dean of USC Thornton, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Tilson Thomas back to campus. It is so meaningful that one of our outstanding alumni has such fond memories of his time at USC that he has decided to give back and impact today’s students.”