Jazz Studies
NEC has long been a pioneer in the education of jazz artists, having started the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conservatory level nearly 50 years ago.
NEC’s community of alumni and faculty comprises some of today’s most influential jazz artists, including MacArthur Genius grant recipients and Grammy Award winners. NEC students can choose to study with anyone from NEC’s roster of world-renowned artist-teachers. Faculty-coached small ensembles—from free and early jazz to gospel music and songwriting—reflect NEC’s inclusive approach to music-making. Explore the jazz tradition and create the future of jazz music at NEC.
NEC Jazz Studies Co-Chairs Anna Webber and Ken Schaphorst
Ken Schaphorst and Anna Webber
From the Department Chairs
NEC has long been a pioneer in the education of jazz artists. NEC started the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conservatory level nearly 50 years ago at the urging of Gunther Schuller. Our rigorous and open-minded approach to improvisation and composition has been a constant since Jaki Byard and George Russell created the school’s groundbreaking curriculum. NEC continues to train the most talented young musicians in the broadest range of styles, while at the same time seeking ways to expand the jazz tradition through the development of students’ individual voices.
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