By fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we work with and for students to enrich and enhance their NEC experience.
We aim to support and engage the entire student body by modeling the institution’s core values which strive to create the highest standard of education, promote a supportive learning environment, and nurture innovation.
Through campus-wide cooperation and collaboration, our staff is dedicated to academic support, health and wellness, accessibility, student activities, residence life, and international services, encouraging students to cultivate their personal and professional skills that prepare and empower them to be active life-long learners and members of a global community.
We advocate for the whole student, providing access to resources and creating opportunities for their development.
We serve as a resource for students, creating a supportive environment for the individual student to explore their unique academic interests and goals. We advocate for students by collaborating with faculty and administrators to ensure student interests are central to institutional conversations and policies. By fostering a consistent relationship with each advisee throughout their entire NEC career, we build a strong foundation for students to take personal responsibility for their educational success. We come to know students as artists, scholars, and people in order to become better equipped to help them succeed in their studies and plan for a future beyond NEC.
Academic Advising
Academic Advisors within the Office of Academic Affairs collaborate with faculty, studio instructors, department chairs, and other administration and staff to provide opportunities for advising across departments and throughout the academic year.
As a result of collaboration with their advisors, students will:
- Develop the ability to articulate their values and goals for their education at NEC and the future beyond graduation
- Seek curricular and co-curricular opportunities to foster their continued growth
- Take responsibility for their educational path and success
Find Your Advisor
Richard Giarusso
Dean of Academic Affairs
Dean Giarusso advises students in the following majors:
- Chamber Music
- Collaborative Piano
- Conducting
- Harvard Dual Degree (*all regardless of major)
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Vocal Performance
Sara Stancliffe
Coordinator for Academic Advising
Fulbright Program Adviser and Scholar Liaison
Sara advises students in the following majors:
- Brass
- Composition
- Contemporary Musical Arts
- Jazz
- Woodwinds
Steven Gregory
Coordinator for International Student Services
Primary Designated School Official
Steven advises students in the following majors:
- Percussion
- Strings (including Guitar and Harp)
Aidan Gorrell
Office Coordinator
Aidan advises students in the Piano major.
Academic Advising Can Help Students…
- Explore majors, minors, and concentrations
- Prepare to register for courses
- Set and meet academic and professional goals
- Understand NEC policies and procedures
- Remedy academic difficulties
- Develop personal and professional habits for success
- Connect with additional support services
Students with active NEC accounts have access to the Office of Academic Affairs Student Resources website, which includes:
- Reminders for new student onboarding
- Access to NEC Departmental websites and handbooks
- Information on Ensembles and links to their websites and resources
- Academic Advising guides to program curriculum, registration, and more
Our Partners
Admissions & Financial Aid
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information and contact information for individual admission counselors, visit the Admissions page.
Center for Cultural Equity and Belonging
Monique Van Willingh, Director of Cultural Equity and Belonging
SB203
Community Performances and Partnerships
Tanya Maggi, Dean of Community Engagement and Professional Studies, Community Outreach and Partnerships
617-585-1243
Grace Allendorf, Administrative Director of Community Performances and Partnerships
617-585-1743
Erik Elmgren, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement and Teaching Artistry
617-585-1748
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Compliance and Title IX
Katrina Chapman, Counsel and Director of Compliance, Title IX Coordinator
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
How to Contact: Email Katrina Chapman for all inquiries.
Entrepreneurial Musicianship
Ryan Mewhorter, Entrepreneurial Musicianship Program Manager
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
How to Contact: Email em@necmusic.edu for all general inquiries.
Office of Student Affairs
Christina Davis, Dean of Students and Campus Life
Disability Support Services
Residence Life
617-585-1313
SB224
Registrar’s Office
Robert Winkley, Registrar and Director of Institutional Research
Sue Wang, Assistant Registrar
Academic records
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
How to Contact: Email College Registrar. You can also leave a voicemail at 617-585-1310.
SB224
Residence Life
Patrick Hazilla, Resident Director
Residence Life and Housing
617-585-1188
SB224
Academic Programs
Chamber Music, Strings, Piano, Woodwinds, Brass, & Percussion
Elizabeth Van Voorhis, Administrative Director for Chamber Music, Strings, Piano, Woodwinds, Brass, & Percussion
Chorus
Sally Millar, Administrator for Chorus
Collaborative Piano and Composition
Ali Eaton, Administrative Manager
Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts
Olivia Porada, Jazz & Contemporary Musical Arts Production & Administrative Director
Opera and Voice
Rich Frost, Administrative Director for Opera & Voice
Orchestra
Margie Apfelbaum, Director of Large Ensemble Administration
Questions
Current students with questions may contact us by email using the links above, or stop by our offices in 224 St. Botolph for an appointment. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer hours may differ.
Prospective students are encouraged to direct their questions to New England Conservatory's Office of Admissions, where admissions counselors are available to provide answers and assistance.