Performances + Events
Early Music Institute
June 21–27, 2026
The Early Music Institute at NEC is a week-long early intensive for historically-informed performance of 17th and 18th century music. It is designed for college students and advanced amateurs on both modern and period instruments.
Priority Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026
Age Eligibility: 18+
Immerse Yourself in Early Music
The Early Music Institute is an immersive summer program for college students and advanced amateurs dedicated to the performance of Baroque-era music.
Participants receive daily instruction from early music specialists and rehearse chamber works from the 17th and 18th centuries under expert guidance. NEC faculty and guest artists lead engaging lectures and discussions on a range of early music topics, and the week culminates in an orchestral performance with NEC’s early music faculty in historic Jordan Hall.
Throughout the program, participants immerse themselves in these timeless traditions on NEC’s campus, located in the heart of Boston’s arts district. Housing in NEC’s dormitories is available, as is access to the Conservatory’s extensive collection of period instruments.
Program Faculty
The Early Music Institute offers the opportunity to study with acclaimed early music faculty including:
Program Director, Baroque Cello
Baroque Violin
Baroque Violin
Baroque Violin
Baroque Viola
Baroque Viola
Baroque Flute
Lute and Baroque Guitar
Harpischord and Organ
Daily Schedule
Learn what to expect from each day at the Early Music Institute. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
| 1–3 p.m. | Student Check-in and Housing Move-in |
| 3–6 p.m. | Placement Auditions |
| 6–7:30 p.m. | Welcome Dinner |
| 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Concerts and Reading Session |
| 8–9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9–10:30 a.m. | Master Class and Studio Class |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Chamber Music Rehearsal and Coaching |
| 12–1 p.m. | Individual Practice |
| 1–2 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2–3:30 p.m. | Seminar (Rhetoric 101), Ornamentation, National Styles, Tuning and Temperament |
| 3:30–6 p.m. | Large Ensemble Rehearsal |
| 6–7:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Concerts and Reading Session |
| 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Dress Rehearsal and Soundcheck |
| 1–2 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2–4 p.m. | Final Concert |
How to Register
Eligibility
The Early Music Institute is open to college-age and adult musicians interested in early music. Whether you are an amateur musician, engaged in collegiate studies, at the start of your career, or wishing to hone your professional skills, we want to make music with you!
Registration Process
To register for the Summer Chamber Institute, please visit the ASAP registration portal, which is open to players of the following instruments:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
- Flute
- Oboe*
- Bassoon
- Horn*
- Trumpet*
- Keyboard
- Lute
- Recorder
*Applicants on natural trumpet, natural horn, and baroque oboe will need to have prior experience with these instruments. NEC owns several of each instrument, which applicants may borrow for the duration of the program.
Tuition and Fees
Participants in the program have the option to either stay on NEC’s Boston campus during the duration of the program or commute to campus each day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.
Residential Student Cost | Tuition, Housing, Meals: $3,394
Day Student Cost | Tuition, Meals: $2310
Explore financial aid opportunities.
