Performances + Events
Undergraduate Applicants
Pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at NEC means immersing yourself in the thriving artistic atmosphere of one of the richest educational experiences in music — all against the inspiring backdrop of Boston.
Undergraduate Applicants
Overview
Develop your musicianship to its fullest.
The undergraduate experience at NEC is founded on intensive musical study with exceptional performing artists and faculty to develop your musicianship to its fullest. Outside of the studio, students receive a broad education in the liberal arts through NEC’s one-of-a-kind integrative curriculum, electives, and access to coursework at several other world-class Boston schools — all to prepare students for a life in music.
We have such a unique makeup of musicians and people with shared passions that really allows you to grow and pursue leadership and community-bridging.”
BRITTANY BRYANT ‘23
Vocal Performance
undergraduate Key dates
Note on Spring Admission
Applications for Spring admission are accepted on a space-available basis.
Contact Admissions staff in late September to inquire about anticipated program openings and deadlines before completing an application.
application dates
September
Applications open
December 1
Application and prescreening video due
January 15
Letters of recommendation and English proficiency test scores due
February 15
Institutional Aid Application (all applicants applying for aid) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadine (U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
March 1
English Proficiency re-test score reports due (if applicable)
Late March
Admission decision letters and financial aid award letters sent
May 1
Enrollment decisions due from admitted students
audition dates
January + February
Live auditions at NEC take place
February 1
Video auditions due for approved applicants. Video-recorded auditions are only allowed for applicants to certain programs who live outside a 500-mile radius of NEC.
Undergraduate Applications
To complete an application for undergraduate admission, submit the following materials using the online application by December 1.
Upload these items to the online application: please do not mail or have items delivered through Parchment, Naviance, or other third-party systems. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In some situations, we will accept applications after December 1. Contact us for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete our online application by following the link below. You can return to the application multiple times to work on it before the submission deadline.
Prescreening video recordings are the first part of the audition process for most degree programs. Upload videos as part of the online application in one of the supported formats: MPEG, MPG, MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, VOB.
Some degree programs require an upload of a portfolio of representative works in addition to, or instead of, the prescreening video recording. Review the audition information for your selected degree program to get specifics about what’s needed.
Each piece must be performed in a single, unedited take (with the exception of Contemporary Musical Arts recordings). Each piece or composition score should be submitted as a separate file and clearly labeled with the composer’s name, title of work, and movement (if applicable). It is not necessary to submit a professionally produced recording, but please be sure that the sound is of high quality and accurately represents your playing or singing. Applicants should make sure that proper lighting is used and that the camera shows full range of movement and use of instrument. We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review your recordings prior to submission.
Video-recorded auditions are only allowed for applicants to certain programs who live outside a 500-mile radius of NEC.
Upload electronic PDF versions of your unofficial high school transcripts as part of the application; please do not have them emailed or mailed directly to NEC. Transcripts should show coursework completed, grades earned to date, and classes in which the applicant is currently enrolled.
If you attended multiple schools, submit transcripts from all high schools attended. If you are homeschooled, you may submit transcripts showing subjects studied, materials used, and a parent/tutor evaluation as well as transcripts from any studies in a traditional high school setting.
All transcripts must be in English. Applicants who are accepted and matriculate at NEC will submit official copies of all final transcripts showing graduation dates and degrees received (or high school equivalency for homeschool students per the laws of their state of residence). Note for international applicants: final transcripts must be translated using World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. Please ensure any unofficial transcripts submitted through the application have the appropriate key translated as well.
All applicants will submit short essays (150-300 words each) on the following topics:
- NEC is a community comprised of many different cultures and backgrounds, and exploring this cross-cultural environment is an important part of the NEC experience. Tell us your story about a time you joined a new community and how you got to know the people within it.
- At NEC, your conservatory education will go beyond music instruction. Instead, you will be part of a learning eco-system that will teach you how to think and learn in new ways. In your words, what does it mean to you to be educated? Aside from musical development, what do you hope to gain from your NEC experience that will put you on the path to achieving your definition of education?
- Contemporary Musical Arts (CMA) applicants only: Please explain your reasons for choosing to pursue the CMA major, including a description of the influences on and motivations for your personal style.
All applicants will submit an artistic resume which provides a brief and focused overview of your artistry and accomplishments. Keep in mind that you will need to paste your resume into the online application which will remove most text formatting such as bold, italics, underlines, indentations, etc.
Your artistic resume should detail the following topics:
- Prior academic study (institutions, dates, and degrees awarded)
- Applied/private study (with whom, dates, etc.)
- Performance experience
- Festivals and summer programs
- Awards and distinctions
- A brief, representative list of works studied and performed in the past three years. Indicate pieces performed in public recitals/concerts and those that are in-progress. For composers, list your own works and their instrumentation.
An official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score is required of applicants for whom English is not a native language, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents. You may upload an official score report from within the past two years with your application. NEC’s ETS school code is 3659. NEC does not accept scores from anything other than TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test.
Minimum scores for undergraduate programs:
- TOEFL iBT – 61
- IELTS – 6.0
- Duolingo English Test – 100
Waivers may be granted in certain circumstances:
- Applicants who have completed a full-time degree program at a U.S. college or university or a diploma at a U.S. high school
- Applicants who will have completed a full-time degree program at a non-U.S. college or university where English is the language of instruction may request an exemption by submitting a written statement of at least 100 words describing your experience with the English language. Requests should be uploaded as a part of the online application.
NEC may need, and request, additional information. No offer of admission will be made until English proficiency has been demonstrated.
Submit the name and contact information for two recommenders with your online application by December 1. Once the application is submitted, instructions will be emailed directly to each recommender.
Recommendations are due January 15.
NEC asks for two supporting letters of recommendation:
- Artistic recommendation from your primary music teacher (or another music teacher or conductor) addressing your musical progress and readiness to study music at a conservatory level
- Academic recommendation from a non-music teacher addressing your academic abilities
A non-refundable fee of $125 is payable by credit card when you submit the application. If you apply to more than one major/program, submit a separate application and fee for each major/program.
Undergraduate applicants with exceptional financial need can receive an application fee waiver by submitting official proof of one of the following to the Admissions Office by November 15:
- College Board, ACT, and/or NACAC fee waiver
- Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program participation
- Pell Grant eligibility
- TRIO program participation
- Veteran or active service member
ADDITIONAL DEGREE INFORMATION
To apply to the NEC Bachelor of Music program, follow the instructions for undergraduate applicants using the online application by December 1.
NEC welcomes undergraduate transfer students to complete their degree here among world-class teachers and peers. Each transfer is unique, and early communication with academic advisors will help answer questions such as how many/which credits will transfer from your current institution.
Applying as a Transfer Student
To apply as a transfer student, complete the Conservatory online application by December 1.
The only unique requirement for transfer students relates to transcripts:
- Transfers with less than 1 year of college should submit both high school and college transcripts to date.
- Transfers who have successfully completed at least 1 year of full time college enrollment only need to submit their college transcripts to date.
NEC’s rigorous five-year dual-degree program with Harvard College combines a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Music degree, enabling students who have dual passions in both music and another field to have access to the world’s best resources for both pursuits. The NEC + Harvard program is one of the most competitive dual degrees in the world with only five to six students admitted each year. Transfers into the program may be allowed in the first year of study at NEC or Harvard only.
Applying to the NEC+Harvard Dual-Degree Program
All dual-degree programs require applicants to submit applications to both institutions.
To apply to the NEC + Harvard dual-degree program, follow the instructions for First-Year applicants using the online application by December 1. Simply check the box to declare your intent to apply to the NEC + Harvard dual-degree program, and make sure you also complete your application to Harvard by their required deadline.
Undergraduate Auditions
Auditions are a core aspect of Conservatory admission. For applicants, auditions represent an exciting performance opportunity, a chance to showcase your talents to an audience eager to know more about you. For NEC faculty, auditions are our chance to get a glimpse of your abilities and artistic identity.
All programs require a prescreening video recording or portfolio due at the online application deadline of December 1. Follow the repertoire and instructions below closely. Applicants who advance through the prescreening round will be invited to audition live at NEC or, in select situations, submit a final audition recording.
Each piece or movement must be performed in a single, unedited take (with the exception of Contemporary Musical Arts recordings). Each piece, movement of a multi-movement work, or composition score should be submitted as a separate file and clearly labeled with the composer’s name, title of work, and movement (if applicable). It is not necessary to submit a professionally produced recording, but please be sure that the sound is of high quality and accurately represents your playing or singing. Applicants should make sure that proper lighting is used and that the camera shows full range of movement and use of instrument. We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review your recordings prior to submission.
Where will you go from here?
As performing artists in orchestras, symphonies, and musical residencies around the world, NEC alums are thriving in careers in all kinds of settings, including:
After NEC
Half of the Boston Symphony Orchestra comprises NEC faculty and alumni. Beyond Boston, NEC alums have secured positions in renowned orchestras all over the globe.
Chad Smith ’95 NEC/Tufts, ’98 MM, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
NEC students can participate in our dual degree program with Harvard. (Photo credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard University)
NEC graduates leverage their comprehensive training in creativity, discipline, and collaboration to excel not only in music but in diverse fields of business.
NEC students have performed on major world stages, including Broadway, The Met Opera, Opéra National de Paris, and many more.
