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Professional Programs at NEC

Leland Ko playing the cello in Jordan Hall.

NEC’s Institute for Concert Artists (ICA) and Professional Trio and Quartet Programs are intensive programs designed for exceptionally gifted musicians seeking advanced training and performance opportunities. With a faculty of globally renowned musicians, each professional program at NEC provides a nurturing environment for the world’s top emerging talents to reach their full potential, preparing them for successful careers in the competitive professional music landscape.

Artist Diploma students within the ICA receive training tailored to their unique needs, focusing on refining artistic expression and technical mastery and expanding professional development. NEC’s Professional Trio and Quartet Programs offer specialized training for existing chamber music groups looking to attain mastery in ensemble performance. 

Alumni of NEC’s renowned professional programs achieve and maintain flourishing performance careers, sharing their outstanding artistry on the world’s most preeminent stages. 

Leland Ko playing the cello in Jordan Hall.

Professional Programs

Artist Diploma Programs: Institute for Concert Artists

Joshua Brown playing violin.

The Institute for Concert Artists at NEC (ICA at NEC) offers a transformative experience for artists of extraordinary talent on the threshold of consequential careers. 

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Joshua Brown playing violin.

Professional Programs

Balourdet Quartet playing on the Jordan Hall stage.

Professional Programs

Professional String Quartet Program

Directed by Paul Katz, cellist for 26 years of the legendary Cleveland Quartet, the Professional String Quartet Program provides a curriculum of intensive coaching for exceptional groups that possess the talent and potential for – and the commitment to – a shared professional life.

Professional Programs

Professional Piano Trio Program

Under the direction of Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, NEC’s Professional Piano Trio Program is open to advanced piano trios that show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career.

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Event spotlight

NEC Concert Artists Series