Performances + Events
NEC Summit
Curtain Up: An Inside Look at How Musical Life Works
April 13–14, 2027
Join us for a day-and-a-half immersive experience designed to help you imagine, define, and shape a meaningful future in music.
Curtain Up: An Inside Look at How Musical Life Works brings New England Conservatory students together with acclaimed artists, administrators, alumni, and cultural leaders from across the music world. Together, we will explore artistic identity, diverse professional pathways, and the evolving future of our field — giving industry leaders a direct connection to the next generation of musical talent.
About the NEC Summit
The NEC Summit is grounded in the belief that there is no single path to a meaningful life in music. It affirms that musical excellence, artistic rigor, curiosity, imagination, and seriousness of purpose are the enduring foundations upon which success — however you define it — is built.
Connected Conversations and Interactive Learning
Designed as a participatory experience for students across all disciplines, every session is intentionally connected so that each conversation informs the next. You will begin by reflecting on your own aspirations, explore diverse career models through interactive panels and collaborative discussions, receive individual guidance from experienced professionals, and conclude by considering your own ideas for the future of musical life.
Active Participation at Every Step
Throughout the summit, students are active participants rather than passive listeners. Collaborative exercises, panel discussions, conversation tables, mentoring sessions, and the summit’s dedicated virtual platform give you direct opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas, and shape the conversation.
Real Outcomes for Your Future
Every student leaves the summit with:
- A personal working definition of success to share at the close of the summit.
- A realistic, comprehensive view of diverse career pathways and the practical mechanics of the industry, including finance, management, programming, and marketing.
- At least one concrete next step, skill, or resource to advance your goals.
- Meaningful new relationships with mentors, alumni, and peers.
- Opportunities for project funding and ongoing mentorship through the Student Pitch Competition.
How to Participate
This event is open exclusively to New England Conservatory community members. Check back here and watch your NEC inbox in the coming months for registration updates and schedule details!
Keynote Speaker: Deborah Borda
Keynote speaker Deborah Borda ’21 hon. DM has transformed the orchestral landscape on both coasts through visionary leadership, dynamic programming, and the groundbreaking appointment of Gustavo Dudamel at both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.
As president emerita of the New York Philharmonic and founder of BordaArts, she has spent decades redefining what a 21st-century music organization can achieve.
Join us as this distinguished NEC honorary doctorate recipient shares her candid insights on artistic ambition, resilience, and shaping the future of our field.
Signature Experiences
Attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging programming, including:
- Keynote address from Deborah Borda
- Panel discussion with industry leaders
- Interactive breakout sessions and roundtable conversations
- Individual mentorship opportunities
- Live student pitch competition
- Dedicated virtual platform allowing real-time conversations with summit attendees
