Justin John Moniz

A globally recognized authority in vocal pedagogy and performance, Dr. Justin John Moniz was recently named a 2025 Master Teacher by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). He holds the position of Associate Director of Vocal Performance and Coordinator of Vocal Pedagogy at New York University's (NYU) Steinhardt School, where he is a Music Associate Professor. At NYU, Dr. Moniz leads the graduate vocal pedagogy program, teaches courses in pedagogic theory, practice, applied voice, research methods, and directs the DownBeat Award-winning NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble. In addition to his work at NYU, Dr. Moniz is a member of the vocal arts faculty at Manhattan School of Music, where he teaches Vocal Wellness & Physiology. His previous appointments include Chair of Vocal Studies at Millikin University and Instructor of Opera Theater at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

Dr. Moniz's influence is evident in the success of his current and former students, who regularly grace Broadway, international tours, national television, and regional theaters and opera houses, including Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Virginia Opera, Ohio Light Opera, and Portland Opera. The scholarly work of his graduate students, with nearly two dozen publications in peer-reviewed journals, is a testament to Dr. Moniz's impactful mentorship. Recent program graduates have joined the faculties at NYU, Temple University, Syracuse University, Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Dr. Moniz is a widely recognized researcher and accomplished author. He serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Singing and the author of the 'The Versatile Voice' column. Dr. Moniz's numerous scholarly articles and reviews for esteemed publications, such as the Journal of Singing, The Opera Journal, and VOICEPrints, have significantly contributed to the field of vocal pedagogy and performance. Under Dr. Moniz's vision and leadership, the NYU Vocal Pedagogy Outreach Program (VPOP) has reached over 1,500 students from nearly 25 underserved communities across the continental United States. His paper, "Assessing the Impact of Vocal Pedagogy Outreach Activities on Geographically, Culturally, and Economically Disadvantaged Communities," was presented at the 13th Annual Conference on Visual and Performing Arts hosted by the Athens Institute for Education and Research. In addition, his body of research has been presented at conferences in Tokyo, Paris, Barcelona, Santander, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.

A leading expert on vocal hygiene and wellness practices, Dr. Moniz is an active guest clinician and consultant for organizations including NATS, the National Opera Association (NOA), The Royal Conservatory of Music, New England Conservatory, Boston University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Barry's Bootcamp, among others. Locally, Dr. Moniz is a member of the NATS-NYC Chapter, serving as President and recently concluding work as Vice President and Chair of Student Auditions. In addition, he is a full voting member of the Pan American Vocology Association. 

A three-time winner of The American Prize in Vocal Performance, Dr. Moniz's "superb high tenor" (South Florida Classical Review) and "commanding stage presence" (TalkinBroadway.com) have been thrilling audiences in opera houses, theaters, and concert halls across the nation, among them Opera Grand Rapids, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Florida Grand Opera, The Columbus Philharmonic, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera New Jersey, DreamCatcher Theatre/Adrienne Arsht Center, Orchestra Miami, Gulfshore Opera, Palm Beach Dramaworks, The Orchestra of Northern New York, Panama City Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Symphony Center. His unique style and versatility have afforded him an active career in opera, concert, and musical theatre, having sung over 90 roles to date. Moniz is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Actors' Equity Association. His debut solo album, Along the Way (2021), is available on all streaming platforms.

Dr. Moniz also serves as Executive Director of Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF), a training and performance program on The Big Island of Hawai'i. His diverse and innovative programming has earned HPAF global recognition and multiple awards from the National Opera Association, The American Prize, and BroadwayWorld. Throughout Dr. Moniz's administrative tenure, he has won the organization two million dollars in public and private grant funding, increased the annual operating budget by nearly 40%, and yielded the highest student enrollment in the festival's 20-year history. He was recently named one of Hawaii's Most Admired Leaders by Pacific Business News. 

Dr. Moniz holds four degrees from Florida State University, the University of Miami, and SUNY Potsdam and certifications from Harvard Business School, Duke University, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He has received young alum awards from all three of his alma maters. Moniz was named one of Florida State University's Notable Noles, University of Miami's 30 Under 30, and a SUNY Potsdam Rising Star. As a voice teacher, researcher, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Dr. Moniz is passionate about identifying the parallels between voice science and sports medicine, explicitly concerning vocal load, efficiency, and sustainability. NATS identified his article, "Regulating Vocal Load in High Impact Production," as the most-read Journal of Singing article of 2022. Dr. Moniz recently received the Yamaha Corporation Top 40 Music Educator Award and was named a Musical America Top Professional of the Year.