Performances + Events
Graduate Applicants
Graduate degree programs at NEC offer the next level of training and career preparation for postgraduates. Each program provides access to NEC faculty and resources to deepen artistry, broaden musical perspectives, and prepare graduate students for rewarding professional careers.
Graduate Applicants
Overview
Develop your musicianship to its fullest.
Graduate programs at NEC are founded on intensive musical education, augmented by unique opportunities for performance, study, and collaboration. The latest in musical technology, exceptional practice and performance spaces, and world-class teaching musicians all help set the stage for an inspiring and productive experience.
The community at NEC is so supportive and welcoming. Everyone is there to help you with your musical journey, meeting you where you are and pushing you to achieve what you didn’t know you could.”
SARA MITNIK ’23 MM
graduate Key dates
Note on Spring Admission
Applications for Spring admission are accepted on a space-available basis.
Contact Admissions staff in late September to inquire about anticipated program openings and deadlines before completing an application.
Application Dates
September
Applications open
December 1
Application and prescreening video due
January 15
Letters of recommendation and English proficiency test scores due
February 15
Institutional Aid Application (all applicants applying for aid) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline (U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
March 1
TOEFL or IELTS re-test score reports due (if applicable)
Late March
Admission decision letters and financial aid award letters sent
April 15
Enrollment decisions due from admitted students
Audition Dates
January + February
Live auditions take place at NEC
February 1
Video auditions due for approved applicants. Video-recorded auditions are only allowed for applicants to certain programs who live outside a 500-mile radius of NEC.
Graduate Applications
To complete an application for graduate admission, submit the following materials using the online application by December 1.
Upload these items to the online application: please do not mail or have items delivered through Parchment, Naviance, or other third-party systems. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In some situations, we will accept applications after December 1. Contact us for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete our our online application by following the link below. You can return to the application multiple times to work on it before the submission deadline.
Prescreening video recordings are the first part of the audition process for most degree programs. Upload videos as part of the online application in one of the supported formats: MPEG, MPG, MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, VOB.
Some degree programs require an upload of a portfolio of representative works in addition to, or instead of, the prescreening video recording. Review the audition information for your selected degree program to understand specific requirements.
Each piece or movement must be performed in a single, unedited take (with the exception of Contemporary Musical Arts recordings). Each piece, movement of a multi-movement work, or composition score should be submitted as a separate file and clearly labeled with the composer’s name, title of work, and movement (if applicable). It is not necessary to submit a professionally produced recording, but please be sure that the sound is of high quality and accurately represents your playing or singing. Applicants should make sure that proper lighting is used and that the camera shows full range of movement and use of instrument. We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review your recordings prior to submission.
Upload electronic PDF versions of your unofficial transcripts as part of the application; please do not them emailed or mailed directly to NEC. Transcripts should show coursework completed, grades earned to date, and classes in which the applicant is currently enrolled.
If you attended multiple schools, please include transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate study, not just the most recent program.
All transcripts must be in English. Applicants who are accepted and matriculate at NEC will submit official copies of all final transcripts showing graduation dates and degrees received (or high school equivalency for homeschool students per the laws of their state of residence). Note for international applicants: final transcripts must be translated using World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. Please ensure any unofficial transcripts submitted through the application have the appropriate key translated.
Applicants who are accepted and matriculate at NEC will be required to submit official copies of all final transcripts showing graduation dates and degrees received.
Applicants to the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program at NEC will need to upload into the online application a PDF of a short academic paper (or an excerpt from a longer paper) that demonstrates graduate-level research and writing ability on music. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to think critically, compose a well-organized essay, and document sources. Please ensure that your submission meets the following criteria:
- Essays should present and support an original thesis or argument on any aspect of music or musical practice, including, but not limited to, analysis, theory, history, criticism, pedagogy, or performance practice.
- Your essay should be typed, approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length, and demonstrate facility with the mechanics of academic citation.
- You may submit an essay that was written for past coursework or professional purposes, preferably from within the past two to three years.
- You may submit an excerpt of a larger paper as long as it is the required length and makes sense on its own.
- Your essay should represent your own original work.
All applicants will submit short essays (150-300 words each) depending on their program of choice:
Master’s, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Programs
All applicants must submit short essays (150-300 words each) on the following topics:
- NEC is a community comprised of many different cultures and backgrounds, and exploring this cross-cultural environment is an important part of the NEC experience. Tell us your story about a time you joined a new community and how you got to know the people within it.
- At NEC, your conservatory education will go beyond music instruction. You will be part of a learning ecosystem that will teach you how to think and learn in new ways. In your words, what does it mean to you to be educated? Aside from musical development, what do you hope to gain from your NEC experience that will put you on the path to achieving your definition of education?
- Contemporary Musical Arts applicants only: Please explain your reasons for choosing to pursue the CMA major, including a description of the influences on — and motivations for — your personal style.
Doctor of Musical Arts
All applicants must submit short essays (150-300 words each) on the following topics:
- Please explain your reasons for choosing to pursue a DMA in your major at NEC, including any career goals you may have in mind. If you are a CMA applicant, please include a description of some of the influences on — and motivations for — your personal style
Artist Diploma
All applicants must submit short essays (150-300 words each) on the following topics:
- NEC is a community made up of many different cultures and backgrounds, and exploring this cross-cultural environment is an important part of the NEC experience. Tell us your story about a time you joined a new community and how you got to know the people within it.
- At NEC, your conservatory education will go beyond music instruction. Instead you will be part of a learning eco-system that will teach you how to think and learn in new ways. In your words, what does it mean to you to be “educated”? Aside from musical development, what do you hope to gain from your NEC experience that will put you on the path to achieving your definition of “educated”?
- Please write about a musical experience that you consider to be a defining moment for you in your development as an artist. Please explain how that experience continues to influence your musical values and approach to being a performer.
- Please indicate your specific artistic and educational goals for the Artist Diploma program. How will these objectives help you achieve your professional goals? (Aside from your audition, this statement is the most important component of the admissions process.)
Chamber Music Programs
All applicants must submit short essays (150-300 words each) on the following topics:
- NEC is a community made up of many different cultures and backgrounds, and exploring this cross-cultural environment is an important part of the NEC experience. Tell us your story about a time you joined a new community and how you got to know the people within it.
- At NEC, your conservatory education will go beyond music instruction. Instead you will be part of a learning eco-system that will teach you how to think and learn in new ways. In your words, what does it mean to you to be “educated”? Aside from musical development, what do you hope to gain from your NEC experience that will put you on the path to achieving your definition of “educated”?
All applicants will submit an artistic resume which provides a brief and focused overview of your artistry and accomplishments. Keep in mind that you will paste your resume into the online application which will remove most text formatting such as bold, italics, underlines, indentations, etc.
You artistic resume should detail the following topics:
- Prior academic study (institutions, dates, and degrees awarded)
- Applied/private study (with whom, dates, etc.)
- Performance experience
- Festivals and summer programs
- Awards and distinctions
- A brief, representative list of works studied and performed in the past three years. Indicate pieces performed in public recitals/concerts and those that are in progress. For composers, list your own works and their instrumentation.
An official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score is required of applicants for whom English is not a native language, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents. You may upload an official score report from within the past two years with your application. NEC’s ETS school code is 3659. NEC does not accept scores from anything other than TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test.
Minimum scores for graduate programs:
- TOEFL iBT – 79
- IELTS – 6.5
- Duolingo English Test – 100
Waivers may be granted in certain circumstances:
- Applicants who have completed a full-time degree program at a U.S. college or university or a diploma at a U.S. high school.
- Applicants who will have completed a full-time degree program at a non-U.S. college or university where English is the language of instruction may request an exemption by submitting a written statement of at least 100 words describing your experience with the English language. Requests should be uploaded as a part of the online application.
NEC may need, and request, additional information. No offer of admission will be made until English proficiency has been demonstrated.
Submit the name and contact information for two recommenders with your online application by December 1. Once the application is submitted, instructions will be emailed directly to each recommender.
Recommendations are due January 15.
NEC asks for artistic recommendations to support your graduate application for admission:
- One artistic recommendation from your primary music teacher (or another music teacher or conductor) addressing your musical progress and readiness to study music at a conservatory level
- A second artistic recommendation from another music teacher or ensemble director/coach
- DMA and AD Only – A third artistic recommendation from another music teacher or ensemble director/coach
A non-refundable fee of $125 is payable by credit card when you submit the application. If you apply to more than one major/program, submit a separate application and fee for each major/program. The application fee for NEC alumni and current students is $75 for each major/program. The application fee for Professional String Quartet and Piano Trio is $40 per member. NEC does not grant fee waivers for graduate applicants.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Master of Music program at NEC requires a completed bachelor’s degree, or its recognized equivalent, from an accredited college or university. The Master of Music curriculum focuses on studio and ensemble work, supplemented by academic course requirements in musicology and music theory, as well as coursework that is complementary to your chosen major. Additional study is provided through frequent masterclasses, guest artists, and repertoire classes.
Applying to the Master of Music Program
To apply to the NEC Master of Music program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
This program consists of two years of full-time study in composition, performance, or conducting. The minimum requirement for entry into this program is a bachelor’s degree, undergraduate diploma, or the equivalent. Students and their academic advisors design a four-semester program of study that is reviewed during registration periods.
Applying to the Graduate Diploma Program
To apply to the NEC Graduate Diploma program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
This one-year certificate program affords students the opportunity to craft a customized, focused curriculum that centers around studio instruction instrument/area of study, supplemented by elective offerings that complement the studio experience and align with the student’s professional, artistic and/ or academic objectives. This program requires an undergraduate diploma or bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
Applying to the Graduate Performance Certificate Program
To apply to the NEC Graduate Performance Certificate program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
The Artist Diploma is the highest-level performance designation offered by NEC. Artist Diploma students are given a full tuition scholarship and a $10,000 annual stipend. The Artist Diploma program at NEC offers the opportunity to deepen artistry and broaden musical perspectives, all with the support of NEC faculty and resources.
The two-year program distinguishes itself through a combination of mentorship, study, and performance opportunities. Admitted Artist Diploma candidates will possess an individual musical voice and be emerging into a professional career that will make a significant contribution to the musical landscape.
Applications to the Artist Diploma program are currently open to applicants in cello, piano, viola, violin, and opera studies.
Applying to the Artist Diploma Program
To apply to the NEC Artistic Diploma program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
The Doctor of Musical Arts curriculum (DMA) is a rigorous and selective program intended for performer-scholars who combine the highest standards in their major area, with proven accomplishments in musicology and music theory. It is designed to provide professional musicians with the necessary knowledge and skills for artistic, cultural, social, and educational leadership.
Applying to the DMA Program
To apply to the NEC DMA program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
DMA applicants who advance from the live auditions will sit for a three-hour exam in music theory and a three-hour exam in music history the day after their audition. All applicants will be notified during the evening of their audition day if they will be required to take the entrance exams the next day. Applicants should therefore be prepared to be in Boston for two days. The results of both exams will factor into the DMA Committee’s admission decisions.
Anchored by a world-class chamber music faculty, the Chamber Music Department at NEC teaches students to embrace and enjoy musical collaboration and creative interaction. Instrumentalists participating in chamber music study at NEC, typically in groups of three to eight musicians, receive in-depth, individualized group coaching focused on all aspects of small ensemble playing.
Applying to Chamber Music Programs at NEC
NEC typically only hosts two resident training ensembles at any given time: one string quartet and one piano trio. Openings will depend on the expected graduation of the current ensemble. The current anticipated openings are:
String Quartet: Open for Fall 2024 applications
Piano Trio: Open for Fall 2024 applications
To apply to the NEC Chamber Music program, follow the instructions for graduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
Graduate Auditions
Auditions are a core aspect of Conservatory admission. For applicants, auditions represent an exciting performance opportunity, a chance to showcase your talents to an audience eager to know more about you. For NEC faculty, auditions are our chance to get a glimpse of your abilities and artistic identity.
All programs require a prescreening video recording or portfolio due at the online application deadline of December 1. Follow the repertoire and instructions below closely. Applicants who advance through the prescreening round will be invited to audition live at NEC or, in select situations, submit a final audition recording.
Each piece or movement must be performed in a single, unedited take (with the exception of Contemporary Musical Arts recordings). Each piece, movement of a multi-movement work, or composition score should be submitted as a separate file and clearly labeled with the composer’s name, title of work, and movement (if applicable). It is not necessary to submit a professionally produced recording, but please be sure that the sound is of high quality and accurately represents your playing or singing. Applicants should make sure that proper lighting is used and that the camera shows full range of movement and use of instrument. We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review your recordings prior to submission.
Where will you go from here?
As performing artists in orchestras, symphonies, and musical residencies around the world, NEC alums are thriving in careers in all kinds of settings, including:
After NEC
Half of the Boston Symphony Orchestra comprises NEC faculty and alumni. Beyond Boston, NEC alums have secured positions in renowned orchestras all over the globe.
Chad Smith ’95 NEC/Tufts, ’98 MM, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
NEC students can participate in our dual degree program with Harvard. (Photo credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard University)
NEC graduates leverage their comprehensive training in creativity, discipline, and collaboration to excel not only in music but in diverse fields of business.
NEC students have performed on major world stages, including Broadway, The Met Opera, Opéra National de Paris, and many more.
