Legendary artist Raphael Saadiq is joining the USC Thornton School of Music as the first mentor in their new Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program. This partnership, led by dean Jason King and key instructors, will see Saadiq, known for his work with D’Angelo and Solange, mentoring senior students in the pop performance program. The goal? To help them improve their songwriting and live performance skills. Saadiq will work closely with faculty member Tim Kobza and even invite students to his Blakeslee Recording Studio.

This isn’t just any mentorship. Saadiq recently visited the school and was impressed by the students’ questions. He’s excited to share his experiences and grow with the next generation of musicians. The program, launching in 2025, aims to bring together top music artists and students for masterclasses, workshops, and more. It’s a big deal for the students, who will get real-world experience and guidance from a Grammy-winning artist.

Dean King is thrilled to have Saadiq on board. He describes Saadiq as a visionary in the music industry, someone who can help students transition into professional careers. Vice dean Sean Holt echoes this, expressing excitement about having an icon like Saadiq work with the students. It’s a win-win – the students get to learn from the best, and Saadiq gets to inspire the next wave of great musicians.

Raphael Saadiq to Guide USC Music Students

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