The Commercial Music Ensembles at Cal State LA are two groups that work under the direction of Professors JP Mourão and Ross Levinson. The ensembles provide students with invaluable real-world experience of being in a pop commercial band, performing music in all styles and genres within the popular music realm. The bands draw repertoire from hits and B-sides from all eras of popular music, with a focus on the 1950s onward, and special attention to what is hip and current in pop music today. Covers, original arrangements of big hits, and also original songs are part of this vast repertoire which allows students to experience a variety of approaches to music making, thus helping them to become very versatile performers and enhance their chances of success in the very competitive commercial music industry in Los Angeles.
Professor JP Mourão has more than 20 years of experience in the music industry as a producer, session musician, arranger, and touring guitarist. Since relocating to Los Angeles, from his native Sao Paulo in Brazil, he has contributed to recording projects for a variety of artists, producers, and composers, major and indie labels, as well as major movie/streaming studios. He can also be seen on the road all over the world with acclaimed Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui and with several other artists and projects locally in California.
Professor Ross Levinson is known for his own music performances for films and other media. Levinson’s own success as a professional composer, arranger and performer provides an impetus to the creative expression of the group.
The ensembles are open to any Cal State LA student by audition only. For more information, contact Prof. JP Mourao and Prof. Ross Levinson.
