Thornton School of Music

Kevin Lyman, the renowned architect of the iconic Vans Warped Tour, has an influence that extends far beyond the confines of the stage. He imparts his wealth of knowledge as an associate professor at USC's Thornton School of Music, where he helps shape the next generation of industry leaders. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Lyman's legacy is punctuated by an array of festivals and tours, from Rockstar Mayhem to Country Throwdown, each bearing his hallmark blend of music, education and philanthropy.

Perry Smith was already playing the guitar when he walked into a small music store in San Rafael, California, and heard someone playing jazz. That one moment changed his musical path and soon he discovered the expression and creativity of playing jazz guitar. While attending the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2003, Perry and two friends formed a guitar trio, New West Guitars. The group has toured and played for many festivals and special events as well as recorded several albums. Their second album was a nod to where they met, Thornton R

Carl Verheyen is a noted studio musician who has been a member of the popular rock band Supertramp. While in the studios, Carl has recorded with a long list of artists and for several movie soundtracks. Along the way he contributed articles for music magazines which led to authoring the method book Improvising Without Scales. Carl is also an adjunct instructor for the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.