Cool Course Dispatch: Pop/Rock Ensemble

Going decade by decade to master the nuances of different styles, the singers and instrumentalists in Steinhardt's pop-rock ensemble tackle the greatest hits from the 1950s to today, preparing to perform off-book and receive feedback in class every other week.

NYU News dropped in on a recent session of the rigorous course, which emphsizes historical context as well as communication and collaboration. 

"I'm drawn to this subject of pop rock vocalism because I feel like it is an area that's really misunderstood," says professor Justin John Moniz. "Singers are often tasked with being vocal athletes and so what we do in here is we try to really focus on vocal efficiency and sustainability."

At the end of the semester, the students present a full-on rock concert for the public.