Performances + Events
Reducing barriers, fostering innovation, and unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s musical leaders
New England Conservatory (NEC) today announced the public launch of its $150 million Campaign for the Future of Music Education, a bold initiative to redefine what music can be, how it is taught, and who it reaches. With nearly $118 million already secured, the campaign aims to unleash the power of music by expanding access, fostering innovation, and cultivating artistic excellence for generations to come.
“This campaign is about the future — the future of our students, the future of music, and the future of its impact on the world,” said Andrea Kalyn, President of New England Conservatory. “We are reimagining what it means to be a musician in the 21st century, breaking down boundaries between disciplines, and ensuring that every talented student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
Launching at a moment of critical transformation in the arts, NEC is committed to reducing financial barriers, embracing innovation, and ensuring its alumni, faculty, and students — already among the world’s most celebrated musicians — continue to shape the art form for generations to come.
A Vision for Music Education
The Campaign for the Future of Music Education will fuel NEC’s mission through:
Transforming Music Education – Breaking down silos between genres, integrating innovations like virtual reality conducting and sensor-based instruments, and encouraging bold cross-disciplinary collaboration to prepare artists not just to perform, but to lead global musical innovation.
Cultivating Artistic Excellence – By investing in the artistry and mentorship of NEC’s renowned faculty — including Grammy winners, MacArthur Fellows, and Guggenheim recipients — we prepare the next generation of musicians to lead and innovate.
Expanding Access – Scholarships, digital programs, and community partnerships will bring music into schools, early childhood centers, senior residences, hospitals, and homeless shelters — reaching thousands who might otherwise never experience live performance or music education.
Sustaining an Iconic Campus – Preserving the legacy of Jordan Hall and NEC’s historic campus while making targeted renovations to create work spaces that inspire creativity, spark collaboration, and attract the world’s most ambitious young musicians.
Unlocking Potential – Reducing financial barriers so exceptional young musicians can access a world-class education and launch their careers unburdened by debt. Scholarships are not only an investment in individual talent, but a commitment to ensuring that the transformative power of music continues to reach and inspire communities everywhere. With financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and loans, we are dedicated to positioning NEC students for professional success without career constraining loan obligations. By investing in scholarships, we are not only honoring the profound value of music, but emboldening the musicians who will elevate its impact for generations to come.
Celebration Launch
The campaign’s public launch will kick off with several community events on NEC’s historic Boston campus beginning today, including the premiere of an immersive exhibit called Beethoven: A Multisensory Experience and an unprecedented musical showcase featuring four celebrated pianists — Yunchan Lim ’26 AD, Minsoo Sohn, Wha Kyung Byun, and Evren Ozel ’17 Prep, ’21, ’23 MM, ’25 AD — who are connected by an extraordinary teacher and student lineage.Â
