How NYU’s Music Program Helped Sloane Simon Become The Voice of NYU

From day one Sloane knew NYU’s music program was the only place for her. “There’s truly no program in the country like NYU Tisch’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music,” she affirms. “When I was applying to schools, it was the clear choice. There’s nowhere else I have felt more creatively fulfilled.” Thanks to the program’s holistic approach to the music industry, she’s dabbled in everything from songwriting and production to music engineering. Her experiences have allowed her sound to mature and evolve, reflecting her classes and community. “They constantly challenge me to experiment and grow,” she says.

Looking back on her audition, Sloane can hardly believe how quickly everything happened. “My dad, who’s always been incredibly supportive of my music, encouraged me to go for it,” she recalls. “I didn’t even know I was cast until January, right after winter break. I still remember getting the call in the cafeteria with my best friend—I nearly fell over.”

Sloane took a leave of absence from NYU to compete on The Voice. She spent months in Los Angeles, living in a hotel with the rest of the cast. “The whole experience has been surreal. More than anything, The Voice reinforced how much I love performing. It made me even more certain that this is what I’m meant to do,” she says. “Working with Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé was transformative. Their guidance helped me refine my vocal technique, stage presence, and sense of artistry. It’s funny to think that a spontaneous Zoom audition led to one of the most defining experiences of my career so far.”

While her leave of absence gave her the space she needed to thrive artistically, Sloane stresses that she’s “definitely making up for it now.” She’s taking 18 credits each semester to stay on track for graduation. Thankfully, NYU has provided steadfast support. While she was gone, her friends held watch parties for The Voice and her NYU Tisch professors and advisers cheered her on. What’s more, she credits her NYU community for making her the artist she is today. “My main collaborators aren’t just classmates—they’re some of my closest friends, which makes the creative process even more meaningful. The constant exchange of ideas, feedback, and inspiration has pushed me to refine my artistry and take risks I wouldn’t have considered before.”