Directed by USC Composition Professor Dr. Fang Man, Musikaleidoscope is an innovative program for young composers ages 7–16 to discover and develop their unique musical voices.
In an era when AI technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, human creativity, imagination and individual expression are more important than ever. By combining traditional music education with contemporary technology, Musikaleidoscope encourages creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and artistic independence.
Through hands-on projects and interactive workshops, students will explore a variety of musical genres, experiment with new ways of creating music, and develop their own personal styles in a fun and supportive environment. Join us for a creative journey where the future of music meets the limitless imagination of young minds!
Three Levels of Creative Exploration
This year, we are excited to expand Musikaleidoscope to three levels, allowing students to learn and create at a level that best supports their age, experience, and musical development.
Level 1 – Beginning Explorers | Ages 7+
Designed for younger and beginning students, this class introduces the building blocks of music in a playful and creative way. Students will explore basic music notation, rhythm, pitch, melody, and musical patterns while developing their listening skills and imagination. Through games, improvisation, storytelling, and creative projects, students will begin transforming their own ideas into music.
Level 2 – Young Composers | Ages 10+
Designed for new and continuing students, this class introduces fundamental musical concepts and practical composition skills. Students will explore melody, harmony, rhythm, form, texture, and instrumentation while learning how to develop their musical ideas into complete compositions.
Level 3 – Advanced Composition Studio | By Approval
For the first time, Dr. Fang Man will personally teach the Advanced Composition Studio, designed for returning students who have taken previous Musikaleidoscope classes and are approved for advanced study. Through individualized mentorship, students will develop their personal compositional styles, explore advanced creative techniques, and discover how AI and emerging music technologies can be used thoughtfully as tools for composition and experimentation.
Fall Schedule
This is a 10-week program, with classes held on Sundays from 1:45–3 p.m. or 3:45–5 p.m.
Free Consultation Session: August 30, 5 p.m.
Class Dates: September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 29
Make-Up Date: December 6
Tuition and Registration
Program tuition directly supports USC student scholarships, contributing to the education and professional development of our university students while creating meaningful learning opportunities for the next generation of young composers.
Tuition: $375
Multi-Child Discount: $15
Class Size: Limited to 8 students per class
Click here to register.
Meet Our Teaching Team
We are fortunate to have three outstanding USC doctoral students joining our teaching team:
Cao Shupeng – Composer and Doctoral Student
Sam Bang – Composer and Doctoral Student
Gabe Newvine – Composer, Doctoral Student, and USC Presidential Fellow
Dr FANG Man – Associate Professor of Composition/Composition Program Coordinator
Their musical expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm bring diverse perspectives and valuable mentorship to our young composers at every stage of their musical development.
See Creativity in Action
Click here to watch works by our young composers!