The future of music, made here.

Chamber Music

The Balourdet Quartet performs in NEC's Jordan Hall.

Chamber music opportunities abound at NEC. Hundreds of students participate in chamber music ensembles coached by NEC faculty in differing genres—from string quartets, piano trios, woodwind quintets, and brass quintets to mixed ensembles comprised of winds and piano, winds, strings, and piano, or percussion, strings, and brass. Every group receives many hours of coaching every semester. Each semester culminates with a performance.

For advanced ensembles on the cusp of a professional career, NEC’s professional string quartet and piano trio programs offer top-quality, graduate-level training in all aspects of musicianship and career development. 

The Balourdet Quartet performs in NEC's Jordan Hall.
The Balourdet Quartet performs in NEC’s Jordan Hall.
Christopher Elchico and Ara Gregorian.

Christopher Elchico and Ara Gregorian

From the Department Chairs

Christopher Elchico and Ara Gregorian.

NEC’s specialized chamber music programs, the superlative artist faculty, the facilities, and the resources available to NEC’s students make our department a dream come true for those who cherish chamber music scholarship and performance. If you are a young musician who wants to attend a school where you will be among many other wonderful young artists who love chamber music, then NEC is the place for you.

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After NEC

Explore NEC’s professional chamber music programs

Chamber music is at the heart of NEC’s approach to musical artistry.

  • A pianist and a cellist rehearsing.

    A pianist rehearses with a cellist for a Sonata Night performance.

    Chamber Music for Pianists

    New England Conservatory offers an intensive two-year graduate program for pianists, leading to a Master of Music degree or Graduate Diploma in Chamber Music. Under the direction of Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, this selective program is open to a limited number of students each year. Successful applicants must have significant experience with chamber music repertoire and performance.

  • Trio Gaia performs in NEC's Jordan Hall.

    Trio Gaia performs in NEC’s Jordan Hall.

    Professional Piano Trio Program

    NEC’s Professional Piano Trio Training Program is a specialized course of study in the art of chamber music under the direction of Vivian Hornik Weilerstein. Established in 2001, the program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional piano trios that show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career.

  • Professor Paul Katz coaches the Verona Quartet in his private studio.

    Professor Paul Katz coaches the Verona Quartet in his private studio.

    Professional String Quartet Training Program

    NEC’s Professional String Quartet Training Program is intended for existing string quartets selected by audition. Under the direction of Paul Katz, the program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional groups with the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career.

  • Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Chamber Music Course

    Dozens of chamber music groups are formed every semester. Each group receives 13 hours of private coaching from a core NEC studio faculty member. Groups have the chance to play in two performance classes, and perform in a Showcase Recital at the end of the semester.

  • Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    NEC Honors Ensemble Program

    Groups selected through a competitive audition process are awarded the opportunity to perform a recital in Jordan Hall. Each concert program includes a world premiere by an NEC composition student.

  • Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Beethoven String Quartet Seminar

    String quartets may participate in the Beethoven String Quartet Seminar for the opportunity to work with each member of NEC’s quartet-in-residence, the Borromeo String Quartet. Participants perform at the end of the fall semester in Jordan Hall, on or around Beethoven’s birthday.

  • Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Community Performances

    Groups may apply to participate in the Community Performances and Partnerships (CPP) Fellows Program, which affords student ensembles the opportunity to connect and build relationships with the Boston community.

  • Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Non-Degree Chamber Music Performance Opportunities

    Borromeo Quartet Guest Artist Concert

    Interested individuals may audition for the opportunity to collaborate and perform on the Borromeo Quartet’s Guest Artist Concert.

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