Artist Diploma (Institute for Concert Artists)

Prescreening:

Video prescreening recordings are required of all Artist Diploma (Institute for Concert Artists) applicants, including NEC students and alumni. Recordings must be uploaded as digital files to our online application by December 1, and must be produced in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Each movement must be performed in a single, unedited take.
• All tracks must be clearly numbered and labeled with composer’s name, title of work, and movement.
• Proper lighting should be used and camera should show full range of movement and use of instrument.
• Recordings should be of the highest quality.

Prescreening repertoire should include a complete program demonstrating advanced mastery in performance, musicianship, and interpretation. Please note that while applicants are not selected or rejected based on repertoire alone, the musical choices an applicant makes are considered an important indicator of artistic identity.

Please record and submit videos of the following:

• A varied, full recital-length program that best represents you as an artist, displaying musical sensibilities, technical accomplishment, and stylistic awareness, and
• A full concerto (all movements, including any cadenzas) with accompaniment.
• A short video (no more than 3 minutes) telling us about why you chose this musical program to submit as your prescreening and how it reflects your artistic purpose/values.

Live Audition and Interview:

The NEC Artist Diploma offers substantial training as both a recitalist and soloist. Please help the audition panel understand your artistry by preparing the following:

• A compelling 60-minute recital that makes a personal artistic statement. 

Notes:

• You may choose the first work of your performance, and the audition panel will then choose from among the other works on your program to comprise a total of about 25 minutes of live performance.
• You are strongly encouraged to perform diverse repertoire, including works composed by women, people from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and/or musicians from one’s own cultural background.

Be prepared to answer interview questions with the adjudicating panel after your live audition. 

Finalists audition live in Jordan Hall before a jury consisting of external industry colleagues.