Performances + Events
As New England Conservatory celebrates the 20th anniversary of its trailblazing Community Performances and Partnerships (CPP) program, the 2023-2024 academic year stands out as a remarkable period filled with growth, innovation, and impactful community engagement. The CPP program, renowned for its dedication to fostering meaningful connections between conservatory students and the wider community, has continued to thrive and evolve, touching the lives of thousands while providing NEC students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities.
Fast Facts and Highlights
Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, CPP students and alumni taught over 1,200 hours, led more than 520 teaching visits, and performed nearly 160 events, reaching an estimated 12,567 people in and around Boston. These efforts have significantly impacted diverse groups, from young children to senior citizens and healthcare workers to community members in public spaces.
Central Programs and Initiatives
One of the significant milestones of this year was the successful launch of the new Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration. This initiative has been a long-standing goal of the CPP program. It has now become a cornerstone of its educational offerings, enhancing aspiring teaching artists’ training and professional development.
The CPP’s hospital programming also expanded significantly in the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to continuing its partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital through the Boston Hope Music Teaching Project, new programs were introduced at Tufts Medical Center and the VA Medical Center. These initiatives included performances and educational sessions designed to support and uplift healthcare workers and patients alike.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
The strength and sustainability of CPP’s partnerships have always been pivotal to the program’s success. This year, NEC maintained high-quality partnerships with 125 community partners, focusing on deepening these relationships. Notable collaborations included long-term connections with Boston Public Schools, El Sistema programs, and various healthcare facilities. Additionally, public-facing partnerships flourished, with multiple events held at the Boston Public Library, local museums, and community markets.
A significant highlight was CPP’s renewed engagement with senior care facilities, where NEC students performed at almost 30 locations, fostering intergenerational connections and bringing joy to many older adults after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Curriculum and Professional Development
The CPP program has also made substantial strides in curriculum development this year. A notable addition was the Musical Storytelling Weekend Intensive, a participatory course designed to train students in creating effective musical storytelling programs for young children. This course culminated in several successful community programs at Boston Public Schools and early childhood learning centers.
The “Community Engagement for Chamber Ensembles” class continued to prepare students for community interactions through both virtual and in-person programming. This course emphasized best practices in community engagement and allowed students to design and implement interactive programs for various audiences.
Looking Ahead
The 2023-2024 academic year has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the NEC Community Performances and Partnerships program. By continuing to bridge the gap between conservatory training and community service, the CPP program not only enriches the lives of its students but also makes a lasting impact on the broader community. As NEC celebrates this milestone anniversary, the future looks bright for this trailblazing program and the countless individuals it serves.
Looking ahead, CPP’s focus will remain on enhancing professional development offerings, strengthening existing partnerships, and exploring new opportunities for community engagement. With plans to deepen the impact of their initiatives and continue adapting to the needs of their constituents, the CPP program is poised to further its mission of making meaningful connections through music.
