Sharon Lavery

Sharon Lavery serves as Professor of Practice and Chair of the Winds and Percussion Department at the USC Thornton School of Music, concurrently holding the position of Resident Conductor for the Thornton Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. Since 2007, she has been Music Director of the Downey Symphony Orchestra—recognized as one of Southern California's premier metropolitan orchestras—and has guest-conducted major ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, Vermont Symphony, and Hollywood Chamber Orchestra.

Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Music Education from Michigan State University, a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music (1993), and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the USC Thornton School of Music (2000). Her professional trajectory features significant appointments as cover conductor for the Pacific Symphony and San Diego Symphony, assistant conductor of the Pasadena Symphony, and Music Director of Japan's MUSE International Music Day Festival.

Lavery's expertise centers on orchestral conducting and wind ensemble leadership, with profound contributions to music education advocacy. She regularly conducts All-State orchestras nationwide and has served on the conducting faculty of Interlochen Arts Camp and Carnegie Hall's International Honors Performance Series, demonstrating exceptional skill in connecting diverse audiences through passionate musical interpretation.

Her distinguished recognition includes the Leonard Bernstein Memorial Scholarship awarded during her graduate studies at USC.

As an educator, Lavery mentors students through instrumental conducting instruction and departmental leadership while maintaining active performance engagements, including recordings with Delos Records and at Warner Bros studio. Her artistic direction has shaped the Thornton Concert Orchestra for seven years and continues to influence Southern California's musical landscape through multiple ensemble affiliations.