Dr. Justin John Moniz, Music Associate Professor, Associate Director of Vocal Performance, and Coordinator of Vocal Pedagogy at NYU Steinhardt, has been named the 2026 national winner of The American Prize in Conducting—Musical Theatre for his work conducting NYU Steinhardt’s production of Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s Titanic.
The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is one of the nation’s most comprehensive series of performing arts competitions, recognizing artists, conductors, directors, ensembles, and composers at the professional, college/university, community, and high school levels. Winners are selected through adjudication of submitted recordings.
Moniz received first place in the 2026 Musical Theatre Conducting division, followed by Ian Axness of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for Wonderful Town and Matthew Mailman of Oklahoma City University for Anything Goes.
The honor marks a significant distinction for Moniz, a three-time previous winner of The American Prize in Vocal Performance. With the 2026 conducting award, he becomes the only individual in the history of The American Prize to have won in both the Vocal Performance and Conducting divisions.
“I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and especially proud that it celebrates work created here at NYU Steinhardt,” said Moniz. “Titanic demanded extraordinary musicianship, collaboration, and trust from everyone involved. This honor belongs just as much to our phenomenal cast, orchestra, creative team, and production staff, whose commitment brought this remarkable score and story to life.”
The recognition further reflects the breadth of Moniz’s work at NYU, where his artistic practice and teaching span musical theatre, classical, and contemporary commercial music. In 2025, Moniz received the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award and was named the Ellen Faull Master Teacher by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. His additional honors include Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” recognition and being named a Musical America Top Professional of the Year.
Founded in 2010 by David Katz, The American Prize is awarded annually across numerous areas of the performing arts and has recognized artists and organizations representing communities throughout all 50 states.
Learn more about The American Prize.
Full list of this year’s winners.
