Expanded education
Learn from the best, across all ages and skill levels.
Expanded Education
Learn from the best, across the lifespan.
Music Education for All Ages
Expanded Education at NEC celebrates music-making of all kinds, with courses and ensembles offered in everything from classical to jazz, contemporary improvisation to musical theater.
The cornerstone of this programming is an acclaimed faculty of more than 250 talented musicians with extensive teaching and performance careers. Expanded Education students learn and perform in the same superb practice and performance spaces as those used by our undergraduate and graduate students.
Our programs
NEC Prep
A rising generation of musicians discover their artistic passion.
A rising generation of musicians disover their artistic passion.
Adult Education
Lessons, ensembles, and connections for lifelong learners.
Lessons, ensembles, and connections for lifelong learners.
Summer Programs
Focused musical preparation in a supportive environment.
Focused musical preparation in a supportive environment.
NEC PREP
Every Saturday during the school year, NEC transforms into a vibrant K-12 community music school for students ranging in skill from beginner to highly advanced.
NEC Prep welcomes more than 1,400 students from all over New England, each exploring their own unique musical path. Some students pursue professional careers; but most become enthusiastic lifelong musicians.
I’ve known that NEC is a good place. As a family that’s into music, I just knew that we wanted to take our kids there.”
prep parent
Our Partners
Changing the world, one note at a time.
In partnership with other arts and educational organizations, NEC is helping more people access the joy and power of music in all forms.
Bridge to Equity and Achievement in Music (BEAM) provides pathways of educational opportunity to highly engaged and talented middle and high school instrumental musicians from communities historically underrepresented in classical music professions.
In partnership with other arts and educational organizations, NEC is helping more people access the joy and power of music in all forms.
In partnership with Mayor Wu and the City of Boston, NEC hosted the “Everyone Can Make Music” program in August 2023.
program spotlight
Early Childhood Programming
Everyone Can Make Music
NEC offers numerous opportunities for children aged 0-7 to engage with music in early childhood, ensuring a solid musical foundation and a love for learning. Additionally, we partner with the City of Boston to provide high-quality music education to nearly 600 young learners in local communities.
Summer Orchestra Institute
Summer Orchestra Institute
NEC’s Summer Orchestra Institute (SOI) is a four-week full symphony orchestra program for intermediate to advanced-level strings, brass, winds, and percussion students aged 13-18.
featured faculty
expanded education news
- New England Conservatory’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship Program: A Year in ReviewThe 2023-2024 academic year was a remarkable period of growth and innovation for New England Conservatory’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship (EM) program. This year has seen a surge in student engagement, enhanced advisory services, expanded internship opportunities, and the successful launch of new courses.
- Violinist Gabriela Dìaz ’03, ’05 MM Joins World-Renowned Kronos Quartet; Two of Four Members are NEC AlumniViolinist, alumna, and former NEC faculty member Gabriela Díaz ’03, ’05 MM has joined the world-renowned Kronos Quartet. She joined alongside violist Ayane Kozasa following the retirement of longstanding ensemble members John Sherba and Hank Dutt. With … Read more
- Three NEC Alumni Named LA Opera Young Artists for the 2024-2025 SeasonThree New England Conservatory alumni have been announced as part of LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artists Program for the 2024-2025 season. Tenor Yuntong Han ’21, baritone Hyungjin Son ’24 MM, and pianist Sujin Choi ’23 GD, ’24 GC will … Read more
June 6, 2024
Dr. Christopher Bush ’01, ’03 MM Joins New England Conservatory as Director of Adult Education and Summer Programs, Ushering in a New Era of Programming for Adult Music Learners
Read MoreMay 6, 2024
NEC Prep Student and Incoming College First-Year to Perform with the BSO on Opening Night
Read MoreFebruary 4, 2024