Welcome to NEC

A year of musical growth, discovery, and joy is underway, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you!

Integrative Curriculum

INTEGRATIVE CURRICULUM

NEC’s new Integrative Curriculum weaves together the many strands of a conservatory education, including music history, performance, composition and entrepreneurship, in fresh and dynamic ways. The result: NEC students graduate as holistic musicians with the tools and creative confidence to make a transformative artistic and social impact on their careers — and on the wider world.

 
Charles River boats

THE BOSTON ADVANTAGE

Across the street from Symphony Hall. Ten minutes walk to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Emerald Necklace Greenway, and the Newbury Street shopping district. Fifteen minutes by T takes you to the Charles River, Fenway Park, and the Boston Common. They call Boston “America’s Walking City,” and NEC is at the heart of it all. There’s no better place to be a student.

EM

ENTREPRENEURIAL MUSICIANSHIP

Through the Entrepreneurial Musicianship (EM) office, NEC students learn the skills to build a life in music. EM provides students with individual advising and career coaching, courses to gain professional skills within the conservatory curriculum, pathways to gain professional experience through hands-on learning, and opportunities to fund and incubate new creative work. 

Concert Calendar

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News
Tue, March 19
Recipients of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant were announced last Wednesday, March 20. Among the honorees to receive the prestigious grant, three are either current students or alumni of New England Conservatory: the Balourdet Quartet, violinist Julian Rhee ’22, ’24 MM, and pianist Clayton Stephenson ’23 Harvard/NEC, ’25 GD.
Mon, March 18
Classic FM has named internationally awarded solo violinist  Nathan Amaral ’24 GC on its list of “30 young musicians reshaping classical music.” 
Mon, March 18
In October 2023, NEC alumna and tenor trombonist Katie Franke ’22 MM commenced her role as the first-ever female trombonist and low brass player in the history of the "President's Own" United States Marine Band. As a female-identifying musician in the male-dominated world of trombone performance, Franke has already made history with her appointment to the U.S. Marine Band and continues to break down barriers for fellow female trombonists.
Thu, March 14
Characterizing the multi-faceted career of renowned Irish musician and NEC Contemporary Musical Arts faculty member Liz Knowles in a single word or phrase would be impossible. Depending on the day — or the hour — she is a sought-after performer, composer, recording artist, beloved teacher, podcaster, and author.
Wed, March 13
NEC faculty member, composer, and music theorist Andrew Schartmann interviewed Erica J. Washburn, NEC’s Director of Choral Activities, on preparing a choir to sing Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Babi Yar” for the latest edition of the DSCH Journal, a biannual publication dedicated to the life and work of Shostakovich. Schartmann serves as Associate Editor for the DSCH Journal.

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Listen Online: New Concert Videos Every Monday

Music Monday: We release new recordings from NEC's concert halls every Monday. We hope that these performances help fill your life with powerful music no matter where you are, even if you’re unable to join us for our concerts in person.

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