The future of music, made here.
Home AdmissionsDegree Programs

Take your artistry to new heights.

Explore our degree programs.

Through focused musical training, you’ll advance your craft while our accomplished faculty and collaborative community foster your artistic growth. You’ll expand your perspective through an integrative curriculum that weaves together the many strands of a conservatory education in fresh and dynamic ways. NEC’s entrepreneurship, community engagement, liberal arts, and dual-degree programs also provide space to tailor your experience and prepare for the future of music.

Take your artistry to new heights.

Degree Hero

Overview

Develop your musicianship to its fullest.

Undergrad Overview Horizontal

The academic experience at New England Conservatory is founded on intensive musical study with exceptional performing artists and faculty. Our goal is to develop your musicianship to its fullest, with a curriculum tailored to support the development of each student’s unique artistic voice and technical prowess. Beyond the studio, NEC provides a comprehensive education integrating advanced music theory, history, and pedagogy with a broad range of electives and access to coursework at several other world-class Boston schools — all to prepare students for a life in music.

Undergraduate Programs

Immerse yourself in intensive musical study while gaining broad education in the liberal arts through our one-of-a-kind integrative curriculum.

NEC Faculty Member Nicholas Kitchen teaching a class.

My hope is to offer them a different perspective for studying music, outside of what they’re used to or what they’ve chosen to major in.”

NICHOLAS KITCHEN, VIOLIN FACULTY

On NEC’s Integrative Curriculum

Degree Undergrad Horizontal

Bachelor of Music

The undergraduate curriculum provides extensive training in students’ majors, comprehensive instruction in music theory and music history, and an introduction to liberal arts disciplines. 

NEC + Harvard Dual-Degree Program

Our distinctive dual-degree program combines renowned collegiate-level music training at NEC with prestigious undergrad studies at Harvard College. Culminating in a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and a Master of Music from NEC, this esteemed program offers access to incredible resources for emerging musician-scholars.

Undergraduate Diploma

This program consists of three years of full-time study in instrumental performance, vocal performance, or composition.

Undergraduate Performance Certificate

This one-year certificate program affords students the opportunity to craft a customized, focused curriculum that centers around studio instruction instrument/area of study, supplemented by elective offerings that complement the studio experience and align with the student’s professional, artistic and/ or academic objectives.

graduate Programs

Take your musicianship to the next level with training from world-class teaching artists and a community of passionate musicians.

Degree Graduate Vertical

Surrounded by passionate peers and experienced faculty mentors, you’ll be nurtured and challenged to become the best musician you can be.”

SEONGWOO MOON ’25 MM

Piano Performance

Degree Graduate Horizontal

Master of Music

The Master of Music curriculum focuses on studio and ensemble work, supplemented by coursework in Musicology and Music Theory, as well as masterclasses, guest artist sessions, and repertoire classes.

Graduate Diploma

This program comprises two years of full-time study in composition, performance, and conducting. Designed by the student and their academic advisor, the individual program may include repertoire coaching, ensemble, chamber music, and coursework. 

Graduate Performance Certificate

In this one-year certificate program, students craft a customized, focused curriculum that centers around studio instruction in their instrument/area of study, supplemented by electives that complement the studio experience and align with the student’s professional, artistic and/ or academic objectives. 

Doctor of Musical Arts

A rigorous and selective program for performer-scholars who want to develop their artistic, cultural, social, and educational leadership.

Institute for Concert Artists

The Institute for Concert Artists, which includes the Artist Diploma, Professional Piano Trio and Professional String Quartet programs, brings together musicians who have demonstrated extraordinary virtuosity within their musical realms and who are ready to advance to the world stage.