Performances + Events
Center for Teaching and Learning
The NEC Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is a dedicated collaborative hub designed to honor, support, and amplify the creative, thoughtful, and innovative instruction across the NEC community.
The CTL serves as a space for faculty to explore and experiment with pedagogical practices; a community for exchanging expertise, ideas, and experiences with colleagues; and a source of practical resources and collaborative support for developing and refining teaching.
Advancing the Art of Teaching
Recognizing that conservatory education carries a distinct blend of artistic opportunities and specialized challenges, the Center for Teaching and Learning brings research on teaching and learning into conversation with the expertise, experimentation, and day-to-day teaching practices of NEC faculty, creating opportunities to reflect, experiment, learn from one another, and strengthen student learning.
Workshops and Discussions
Expert-led workshops and discussions on key pedagogical topics, specifically tailored to designing integrative curricula within a conservatory environment.
Curated Resources
A handpicked collection of digital, print, and interactive materials for faculty looking to independently explore research on teaching and learning to inform their own teaching practice in the studio, classroom, rehearsal space, and on the stage.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
A non-evaluative space where instructors collaborate as equals to share pedagogical expertise, swap feedback, and solve teaching challenges together.
Individual Teaching Support
A supportive environment for a faculty member developing a new idea, rethinking an existing practice, or simply looking for another perspective on a pedagogical question.
Opportunities for Support
The CTL will be offering a variety of innovative programming and resources throughout the year for NEC community educators and students.
- Workshops and discussions on teaching and learning, with a focus on integrative curricula in a conservatory setting.
- Curated resources highlighting research and ideas from the science of teaching and learning.
- Peer learning opportunities that showcase faculty innovation and foster connections across departments and disciplines.
- Individual teaching support for developing new ideas, refining existing practices, or exploring pedagogical questions.
CTL Leadership
Andrew Schartmann
Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
Andrew Schartmann is a composer, music theorist, and NEC faculty member whose work explores video game music, Viennese classicism, and music theory pedagogy
Erica Washburn
Associate Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
Erica Washburn is NEC’s Director of Choral Activities, a conductor and educator known for her student-centered approach to teaching and commitment to new music.
