Vocal Ensembles are a credited class that students register for. Please refer to the course catalog for more information regarding registration for these courses.
The DownBeat Award-winning NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble offers emerging artists the opportunity to achieve fluency in the diverse genres of pop and rock music. Throughout the course of study, emphasis is placed on individualized vocal and instrumental performance through the exploration of style, communication, and collaboration.
Students will strengthen skills in active listening, stylization, amplification techniques, and collaboration with a live rock band, gaining a deeper understanding of the stylistic demands across pop/rock genres. The ensemble helps students refine their artistry as storytellers, collaborators, and communicators.
Who Can Register
Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, master’s, and doctoral-level vocalists and instrumentalists.
Both majors and non-majors are welcome to audition.
Priority for vocal opportunities is given to Vocal Performance majors.
Credit
This ensemble must be taken for 1-credit.
Vocal Audition Information
Complete the audition submission form by Thursday, December 11 at 4:00 pm ET.
- Prepare one song in the pop/rock style, chosen from any of the following genres: Motown, 70s Folk/Rock, Disco, 80s Pop/Rock, Hip-Hop/R&B, 90s Pop/Rock, Country, Faerie, or Latin Pop.
- Choose repertoire that highlights your strengths.
- Provide a backing track (no a cappella auditions).
- Optional: You may include a second or third contrasting selection on your form.
Instrumental Audition Information
Complete the audition submission form by Thursday, December 11 at 4:00 pm ET.
- Instrumentalists (drummers, bassists, guitarists) should submit a short sample in the pop/rock style.
- Guitarists should demonstrate both comping and solo playing.
- Selections may be drawn from Motown, 70s Folk/Rock, Disco, 80s Pop/Rock, Hip-Hop/R&B, 90s Pop/Rock, Country, Faerie, or Latin Pop.
For questions, please email Dr. Justin John Moniz at jjm16@nyu.edu.
Course Numbers and Meeting Time
- MPAVP-UE 1181.012 – Undergraduate Section
- MPAVP-GE 2181.012 – Graduate Section
Meeting Time: Mondays, 2:00–4:00 pm ET
Location: Provincetown Playhouse
Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.
Performances and Concerts
- Final Performance: Monday, May 4, 2026 – 8:00 pm (Loewe Theatre)
- Special Performance at Grad Alley: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – 5:00 pm (Loewe Theatre)
Instructor
Contact Information
Cool Course: Pop/Rock Ensemble
Enjoy the video and see why this ensemble is causing such a buzz.
Watch it hereRelated Ensembles
Background Vocal Recording Techniques
This ensemble teaches the skills needed to excel at singing contemporary background vocals in small groups for recording.
Village Voices
Janis Siegel of The Manhattan Transfer and Lauren Kinhan of New York Voices equip and empower your voice to respond to the many grooves and genres explored in this exciting vocal ensemble.
Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
This non-traditional ensemble teaches the skills needed to excel as a lead singer performing different contemporary genres - pop, R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae, country, world, etc.