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 provides emerging vocalists and instrumentalists with an immersive, performance-based experience exploring the diverse styles and traditions of contemporary popular music. Through the study and performance of repertoire spanning pop, rock, R&B, soul, funk, country, and related genres, students develop the stylistic versatility, musical fluency, and collaborative skills essential to today's performing artists.
Emphasizing both individual artistry and ensemble musicianship, the course offers opportunities to explore stylistic interpretation, vocal and instrumental techniques, amplification, musical communication, and performance practice. Working alongside a live band, students strengthen their abilities as expressive storytellers, responsive collaborators, and versatile performers.
Eligibility and Registration
The ensemble is open by audition to undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) and graduate students, including master's, advanced certificate, and doctoral candidates. Both music majors and non-majors are encouraged to audition.
Priority for vocalists is given to students majoring in Vocal Performance.
The ensemble is a 1-credit course. Students accepted into the ensemble must register for the appropriate section. Please consult the NYU course catalog for additional registration information.
Vocal Auditions
Complete the audition submission form by Friday, December 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections in contemporary pop/rock styles that best demonstrate their vocal strengths, stylistic versatility, and artistic identity. Repertoire may be drawn from a broad range of genres, including pop, rock, Motown, R&B, soul, funk, disco, country, indie/alternative, and Latin pop.
Audition Requirements:
- Prepare two contrasting selections that showcase your strengths as a vocalist and performer.
- Perform with an instrumental backing track. A cappella submissions will not be considered.
- Applicants may submit an optional third selection of their choosing.
Instrumental Auditions
Complete the audition submission form by Friday, December 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections in contemporary pop/rock styles that best demonstrate their instrumental proficiency, stylistic versatility, and musical identity. Repertoire may be drawn from a broad range of genres, including pop, rock, Motown, R&B, soul, funk, disco, country, indie/alternative, and Latin pop.
Audition Requirements:
- Prepare two contrasting selections that showcase your strengths as an instrumentalist and performer.
- Drummers, bassists, and guitarists should demonstrate technical proficiency, stylistic understanding, and ensemble musicianship.
- Guitarists should demonstrate both rhythm/comping and lead/solo playing.
- Applicants may submit an optional third selection of their choosing.
Course Information
Undergraduate Section: MPAVP-UE 1181.009
Graduate Section: MPAVP-GE 2181.009
Meeting Time: Mondays, 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Education Penthouse
Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.
Performances
Final Performance: May 3, 2027 at 8:00pm – Frederick Loewe Theatre
Additional performance opportunities may be scheduled throughout the semester.
Instructor and Contact
Dr. Justin John Moniz
Music Associate Professor
Email: jjm16@nyu.edu
Cool Course: Pop/Rock Ensemble
Enjoy the video and see why this ensemble is causing such a buzz.
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