Popular Music Instruments
The Popular Music Instruments area is designed for students whose primary musical interests are in rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and contemporary commercial styles. Instrument and vocal study in this area focuses on the techniques, sounds, and performance practices used in today’s popular music, rather than classical or conservatory-based repertoire and stylistic expectations.
Students develop their skills in a supportive, flexible environment that values creativity, collaboration, and real-world musicianship.
Instrument & Voice Options
All instruments and voice are welcome, including traditional, popular, and non-traditional instruments, such as:
- Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards
- Voice (popular and contemporary styles)
- Turntables, laptop, controllers, and hybrid electronic setups
Students work with faculty to define an approach that fits their instrument, musical goals, and experience level.
Applied Lessons in Popular Music
Applied private lessons in Popular Music Instruments emphasize contemporary techniques and stylistic fluency grounded in fundamental musicianship, including:
- Groove, feel, and stylistic authenticity
- Tone production, amplification, and effects
- Improvisation, riff-based playing, and accompaniment
- Developing strong aural skills alongside music reading, charts, and recordings
- Stage presence and ensemble interaction
- Applying music theory and notation skills within popular music contexts
Repertoire is drawn from popular and contemporary genres and is studied with the same attention to structure, harmony, rhythm, and form found in traditional music programs. Repertoire often connects directly to ensemble participation, recording projects, or creative work.
Performance Practice & Ensembles
Students studying Popular Music Instruments are encouraged to participate in Commercial Music Ensembles, such as:
- Rock Band
- Hip-Hop / EDM Ensemble
- Other popular music and technology-driven groups
These ensembles provide hands-on experience with rehearsal techniques, live performance, collaboration, and working in styles commonly found in professional music settings.
Who This Area Is For
Popular Music Instruments is ideal for students who:
- Identify primarily as popular or contemporary musicians
- Perform or create music outside the classical tradition
- Use technology as part of their instrument or performance setup
- Want applied study aligned with modern music careers
Entrance Interview
Because applied lessons are a core component of this area, students must schedule an entrance interview with faculty before beginning applied study.
This interview is not a traditional audition. Its purpose is to:
- Introduce students to expectations and opportunities in Popular Music Instruments
- Learn about your musical background, experience, and interests
- Discuss your primary instrument or performance setup
- Help place you in an applied studio that best fits your goals
You may be asked to play or sing briefly, but the focus is on conversation and placement—not evaluation or acceptance.
Contact Information
To schedule an entrance interview or learn more about Popular Music Instruments, please contact:
Dr. Tomm Roland
troland@unomaha.edu
zbresler@unomaha.edu