Are you a passionate vocalist or instrumentalist looking to master the electrifying world of Pop Rock music? The DownBeat Award-winning NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble offers an unparalleled opportunity to hone your skills and immerse yourself in this dynamic genre. This ensemble is designed for emerging artists like you, providing a high-level platform to achieve fluency in pop and rock through focused study and performance.
Elevate Your Performance in Pop Rock Genres
At the heart of the NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble is a commitment to individualized growth. Whether you’re a vocalist aiming to command the stage or an instrumentalist seeking to lay down the perfect groove, this program emphasizes your unique artistic journey. Through in-depth exploration of style, effective communication techniques, and the power of musical collaboration, you’ll refine your performance abilities to new heights.
The curriculum delves into crucial aspects of modern music performance, including:
- Active Listening: Developing a keen ear for the nuances of pop rock and how different instruments and vocals interact.
- Stylistic Authenticity: Mastering the distinct characteristics of various pop rock subgenres, from the soulful sounds of Motown to the high-energy anthems of 80s rock and beyond.
- Amplification Techniques: Understanding how to effectively utilize amplification to achieve optimal sound in live performance settings.
- Live Band Collaboration: Cultivating essential skills for seamless teamwork and dynamic interaction within a live rock band context.
By joining this ensemble, you will not only broaden your understanding of the stylistic landscape within pop rock but also significantly refine your abilities as a musical storyteller, a collaborative artist, and a compelling communicator through music.
Who Can Join the Pop Rock Ensemble?
The NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble welcomes talented and dedicated musicians from across the university. Eligibility is open to:
- Sophomores
- Juniors
- Seniors
- Masters Students
- Doctoral Students
Both vocalists and instrumentalists are encouraged to audition, regardless of their major. However, it’s important to note that vocal performance majors are given priority for vocal positions due to the competitive nature of these spots. Non-majors with a strong passion for pop rock and demonstrated musical ability are also highly encouraged to apply.
Academic Credit for Your Passion
Participating in the Pop/Rock Ensemble is not just a rewarding musical experience; it also counts towards your academic progress. This ensemble is offered for 1 academic credit, allowing you to integrate your passion for pop rock directly into your NYU curriculum.
Audition Details to Rock Out
Ready to take the stage with the NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble? Here’s what you need to know about auditions:
Vocal Auditions: Show Us Your Voice
If you are a vocalist, we want to hear your unique style! To audition, please complete the online audition form by Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET.
For your audition, prepare a song that exemplifies the pop rock style. You can choose from a wide range of genres that fall under the pop rock umbrella, including:
- Motown
- 70s Folk/Rock
- Disco
- 80s Pop/Rock
- Hip-Hop/R&B
- 90s Pop/Rock
- Country
- Faerie
- Latin Pop
We encourage you to select a song that truly showcases your vocal strengths and stylistic preferences. Please ensure you provide a backing track for your performance, as a cappella auditions are not permitted. If you have additional contrasting selections that highlight your versatility, feel free to include them in your audition form.
Instrumental Auditions: Opportunities May Be Available
While we are currently not actively seeking new instrumentalists for the Spring 2025 semester, we encourage interested drummers, bassists, and guitarists to submit their audition materials. Ensemble needs can evolve, and we will review submissions in the event that replacement opportunities arise before the Spring semester begins.
If you are an instrumentalist interested in potential openings, please complete the audition form by Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET. Your audition should include a short sample of your playing that demonstrates your proficiency in the pop rock style. Guitarists should showcase both their comping and soloing abilities. Genre selections can be chosen from the same diverse list as vocalists: Motown, 70s Folk/Rock, Disco, 80s Pop/Rock, Hip-Hop/R&B, 90s Pop/Rock, Country, Faerie, or Latin Pop.
For any questions regarding instrumental auditions, please reach out to Dr. Moniz.
Course Details and Performance Schedule
The NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble offers both undergraduate and graduate sections:
- MPAVP-UE 1181.012 – Undergraduate Section
- MPAVP-GE 2181.012 – Graduate Section
The ensemble meets every Monday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET in the Provincetown Playhouse. Please note that attendance at all meetings is mandatory to ensure a cohesive and productive ensemble experience.
Get ready to showcase your pop rock talents in exciting performance settings! The ensemble has a dynamic performance schedule:
- Fall 2024 Ensemble Performance: Monday, December 9, 2024, at 8:00 PM (Frederick Loewe Theatre)
- Spring 2025 Ensemble Performances:
- Monday, May 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM (Frederick Loewe Theatre)
- Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM (NYU Grad Alley)
These performances provide invaluable opportunities to apply your skills, connect with audiences, and celebrate the vibrant energy of pop rock music.
Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Justin John Moniz
Leading the NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble is the accomplished Dr. Justin John Moniz. Dr. Moniz brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the program, guiding students to reach their full potential in the pop rock genre.
Connect and Learn More
For any further inquiries about the NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble or the audition process, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Justin John Moniz. We look forward to hearing your pop rock audition and welcoming you to our dynamic musical community!
