Greg Phillinganes, a prominent keyboardist with a career spanning five decades, has joined the faculty at the USC Thornton School of Music as a part-time instructor. Phillinganes is recognized for his work as a performer, collaborator, and music director in the music industry.
On March 2, Phillinganes will appear alongside Grammy Award-winning artist John Mayer at USC’s Bovard Auditorium for a masterclass and conversation. Mayer and Phillinganes have previously worked together on tours, live performances, and recordings. The event will provide students with insights into Mayer’s creative process and musicianship.
Phillinganes began his professional journey in 1975 with Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove and has since collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars, and Barbra Streisand. He has contributed to numerous Grammy Award–winning albums including Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life,” Quincy Jones’ “Back on the Block,” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
“Greg Phillinganes’ contributions to music are nothing short of historic,” said Jason King, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music. “Our students will benefit immensely from his experience working at the highest levels of the industry, his artistry as a performer, and his deep knowledge of what it takes to build a long and impactful career. This is exactly the kind of artist-practitioner we are committed to bringing to Thornton.”
Phillinganes has also served as music director for high-profile tours such as Lionel Richie’s “Can’t Slow Down” tour and Michael Jackson’s “Bad” and “Dangerous” tours. His credits include directing events like the 60th Emmy Awards, Grammy Nominations Live Concerts, MusiCares Person of the Year events, Super Bowl Halftime Show performances, and tributes at Carnegie Hall.
“I’m honored to join the USC Thornton community,” said Phillinganes. “Passing on knowledge and mentoring the next generation is incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned through my journey.”
Students at USC Thornton will interact with Phillinganes through lessons, ensemble participation, and workshops. They will gain direct exposure to industry practices from someone who has worked across multiple generations in popular music.
Phillinganes recently performed with Toto on their Dogz of Oz World Tour and reunited with David Gilmour for his Luck and Strange tour.
“Greg embodies the spirit of USC Thornton: excellence, versatility, and mentorship,” said King. “We know he will inspire our students to dream bigger, work harder, and embrace the extraordinary possibilities of a life in music.”
The masterclass event titled “An Afternoon with John Mayer” is scheduled for March 2 at Bovard Auditorium on USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles. Admission is free for USC students, staff, and faculty.
USC Thornton School of Music was founded in 1884. It combines conservatory training with resources from a major research university to prepare students as performers, composers, educators, and cultural leaders across genres. The school offers programs in popular music studies among others.
The University of Southern California (USC), established in 1880 as a private research institution located south of downtown Los Angeles at its main University Park Campus official website, provides more than 400 academic programs across various schools official website. It attracts students from all U.S. states and over 100 countries official website while supporting public service initiatives official website.
John Mayer is known for his achievements as a Grammy Award-winning artist since releasing his debut album “Room For Squares” in 2001. He has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and achieved several chart-topping records throughout his career.
Phillinganes’ appointment reflects USC Thornton’s commitment to providing students access to leading professionals in contemporary performance.
