Visual art
Sight and Sound Intersect in Visual Arts Courses
The Liberal Arts Department at New England Conservatory offers a complement to students’ musical training. Through courses in literature, history, film, and philosophy, musicians gain a better understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts of the works they perform. Here, liberal arts faculty member Katya Popova talks about why the visual arts are important for today’s musicians, and how she hopes to inspire students’ artistic practices.
Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision on SFAA vs. Harvard College
While the Supreme Court decision changes 40 years of legal precedent, it does not change the commitment of New England Conservatory to serve all members of the NEC community so they can reach their personal and artistic potential. We are unwavering in our commitment to cultural equity and belonging. NEC will continue to ensure that our campus community benefits from a learning environment that reflects the richly diverse society in which we work and live and fosters the open exchange of ideas and creative initiatives.
NEC Honors Ensemble Quartet Luminera Wins Second Prize in 2023 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition
NEC Honors Ensemble Quartet Luminera took the Silver Medal during the 2023 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. They receive mentorship from faculty member Mai Motobuchi. 
Seokyoung Hong
NEC Preparatory School Student Seokyoung Hong Takes Top Prize and Audience Award at the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition
NEC Prep student Seokyoung Hong (15) of South Korea won the Bernice Gressman Meyerson First Prize in the competition and Audience Award and studies with HaeSun Paik. 
Allyson Bennett Magic Flute
Nicolette Marie Sullivan-Cozza & Allyson Bennett Win Kennedy Center VSA Competition
Nicolette Marie Sullivan-Cozza ’25 and Allyson Bennett ’20, ’22 MM, ’23 GD were among the four young musicians named as winners of the 2023 VSA International Young Musicians Competition.
Mayor Wu
NEC Prep Announces Free Summer Music Program “Everyone Can Make Music” for Boston Students
New England Conservatory and the City of Boston announced a second partnership to provide high-quality music education to Boston students with the launch of the Everyone Can Make Music summer program.
Cecilia Pinto
Cecilia Pinto joins NEC as Director of Early Childhood Education
Pinto joins the Expanded Education Division as part of a larger institutional initiative to broaden access to the arts and music education for young people across the City of Boston.
Two graduates lean their heads together and smile while wearing caps and gowns
NEC Celebrates Largest Graduating Class at Symphony Hall
New England Conservatory celebrated the largest graduating class in its history on May 21, 2023 at Symphony Hall, awarding honorary degrees to George E. Lewis, Ann Hobson Pilot, and David Zinman. The 152nd Commencement ceremony featured remarks from Lewis as well as Alumni Speaker Mei-Ann Chen ’95, ’98 MM and Student Speaker Brittany Bryant ’23.  
Chad Smith wears a suit and glasses and smiles at the viewer, with a white decorative staircase behind him
NEC Alumnus and Trustee Chad Smith Appointed President and CEO of Boston Symphony Orchestra
Chad Smith ‘95 NEC/Tufts, ‘98 MM returns to Boston from the LA Philharmonic, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2019.
Farayi Malek smiles and claps her hands while teaching
“This is American music:” Faculty Spotlight on CMA's Farayi Malek
Contemporary Musical Arts created space for Grammy nominated jazz and Americana artist Farayi Malek ’17 to embrace all of her musical identities. Malek now teaches in the CMA department, including studio lessons, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, R&B Ensemble, and Development of Long-Term Harmonic Memory with Ran Blake.