Programs

Hello!

Welcome to New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School. Whether you are a student who has just begun your musical journey, or you have already reached an advanced level of study, we invite you to make NEC your musical home. Our world-class faculty is committed to providing children of all ages with the best possible learning experience through offerings that range from private lessons and ensemble coaching to classroom instruction and intensive certificate programs. Prep students also have the opportunity to hone their performance skills through participation in workshops, recitals, and concerts throughout NEC, including our very own Jordan Hall.

Come and grow with us, connect with other creative young people, and make a joyful noise.  We look forward to seeing you here!

Leslie Wu Foley
Dean and Executive Director, Preparatory & Continuing Education

Elisabeth Christensen
Director, Preparatory School

Please choose an option from the menu at the left for information about specific programs.

Fall 2011 Auditions

Fall auditions for private lessons, chamber music, and other placements will occur on Saturday, September 10th.  Some auditions will be held on September 11th.  All audition scheduling will begin on August 15th.  Seating auditions for orchestras should be scheduled online; all other auditions are scheduled by phone.  We look forward to having you join us this fall!

Individualized Programs

The Preparatory School curriculum is offered on an “a la carte” basis. Students may enroll in one stand-alone activity (ensemble, lessons, theory) or any combination of lessons, classes, and ensembles. Emphasis is on serious, professional training. The core of the program is one-on-one master/apprentice private instruction.

This instruction, when supplemented by music theory classes and ensemble training, becomes the heart of our Certificate Program, which provides tangible evidence of progressive achievement during the years of attendance at the school.

All Preparatory School students are part of a unique musical community. Peer support and the sharing of ideas and talents are encouraged by many features of the program. It is the goal of the Preparatory School to provide each student with a stimulating environment best suited to his or her age and education level. About half of the students who graduate from the Preparatory School each year go on to study music at conservatories and liberal arts colleges.

Open Enrollment

Students may enroll for any program of lessons, classes, and ensembles for which they qualify. Early childhood studies involve children as young as 4 years old in Eurhythmics classes, and older and more advanced students can choose from a full range of music theory, jazz, and private instrumental, composition, and voice studies.

Students registered for at least twelve private lessons each semester are eligible for discounted rates on ensembles and classes, as well as participation in workshops, recitals, masterclasses, and the annual concerto competition.

It is the responsibility of parents and students to coordinate their individual Saturday schedule of lessons, classes, and ensembles. It is usually most effective to start by considering large ensemble rehearsal schedules, followed by theory classes and chamber music, and then to work with the private teacher to schedule the lesson around the student’s other activities. Prep School staff and faculty will do all they can to assist you in this process.

Photos by Andrew Hurlbut

2011-08-02