Final answer:
Using a USC Thornton music education involves leveraging the potential of music for social change, addressing social inequalities through cultural awareness, and empowering individuals to innovate and positively impact the music industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Envisioning the use of a USC Thornton education to become a force for positive change in the music profession and music as an art form involves recognizing the potential of music to impact social change. Robert Gupta's experience, where he found his calling at the intersection of music and social justice, exemplifies how music therapy can reach places conventional medicine cannot. Similarly, Tod Machover's work in extending musical expression across all skill levels and mediums shows the versatility and inclusivity that music can achieve.
Cultural appropriation in music often reflects underlying social inequalities and power structures. Addressing these issues can be part of the change one strives to make within the music industry. Utilizing a music education to empower youth and young adults, and developing necessary skills for a professional career in the arts, can reduce tension and inspire positive action. Moreover, arts can help us learn about other cultures and promote understanding and respect.
By approaching the profession with a mindset of service and collaboration, graduates can drive innovation in music making and performance, while also addressing important social issues such as the representation of underrepresented composers. This holistic view of the role of a musician ties directly into the transformative nature of college education, challenging the individual to make a unique and positive impact on the world.