In our Performance Ensembles, you’ll go beyond learning songs—you’ll join a committed group of musicians working together to prepare one polished song for live performance. You’ll learn your part, understand song structure, develop arrangements, improve your playing and/or singing, and build the essential skill of listening and playing with others. Each student takes on a distinct musical role (lead, rhythm, vocals, etc.), and all performances are done off book—no charts, lyrics, or music stands—creating a confident, connected experience on stage.

Ensembles meet weekly and culminate in a live performance as part of NYC Guitar School showcase events. These classes are best with a range of skills and interests—singers, lead players, rhythm players, and more. Challenging and deeply rewarding, Ensembles are one of the most beloved programs at NYC Guitar School, and many groups continue playing together for years.

Tuition: Included with NYC Guitar School Class Membership (limited to one Ensemble per student).

Prerequisites:

Guitar: Completion of Beginner Level 9 or equivalent (comfortable with barre chords, full songs, and varied rhythms)
Vocals: ~1 year of classes or lessons at NYCGS or teacher recommendation
Students must be able to attend 80%+ of rehearsals and commit to the performance date. Ensembles are not drop-in classes; students join by confirming they meet the prerequisites and can commit to the full cycle.

FAQs:

How many people perform? Typically 6–8 musicians with a mix of guitars and vocals, though instrumentation varies.
When are Performance Ensembles offered? Multiple times throughout the year, each culminating in a live performance as part of our showcase events.
Do I need to bring my own guitar? For rehearsal, no…for the show, yes.

How To Sign Up There are no public signups. NYC Guitar School class members who meet the qualifications can drop by the desk or email info@nycguitarschool.com to request placement.