The future of music, made here.

Conducting

A student conductor leads musicians on the Jordan Hall stage

Develop the artistic skills needed for a career conducting professional ensembles. Conducting students at NEC develop the artistic skills needed for a career conducting professional ensembles. Whether concentrating in orchestral or choral conducting, every student benefits from frequent podium time in front of accomplished NEC musicians.

The program reinforces the student’s understanding of the conductor’s art and craft. The rigorous curriculum, under the guidance of NEC’s ensemble directors, features coursework in score reading, instrumentation, orchestration, and performance practice, along with private studio and seminars.

A student conductor leads musicians on the Jordan Hall stage
A choral conductor on the Jordan Hall stage

Choral Conducting

NEC’s Choral Conducting program offers comprehensive training for aspiring choral conductors, emphasizing technical skills and artistic expression. The curriculum includes hands-on experience with a variety of choral ensembles, preparing students for professional leadership roles in diverse musical settings.

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A student conductor leads an orchestra on the Jordan Hall stage

Orchestral Conducting

Through an immersive curriculum, NEC’s Orchestral Conducting program develops students’ technical prowess and interpretive insight. It offers extensive podium time with a variety of orchestras, mentorship from renowned faculty, and opportunities to engage with contemporary and classical repertoire, preparing students for professional conducting careers.

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Take the Next Step

Apply to NEC

Are you interested in becoming an NEC Student? Begin the process by starting your application, requesting information, and learning more about our Admissions process.

After NEC

Department Highlights

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  • Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson

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  • Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson

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  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    Alumnus Leads NEC Philharmonia as Guest Conductor

    Guest conductor Earl Lee ’15 GD leads the NEC Philharmonia in a performance of “The Labyrinth of Light,” composed by Erqing Wang ’20.

  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    Joshua Weilerstein Conducts the NEC Laboratory Orchestra

    The Lab Orchestra, conducted exclusively by orchestral conducting students, offers two hours of podium time every week. At the end of each semester, students conduct the Lab Orchestra in a public concert.

  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    Develop Your Artistic Skills

    At the end of their second year of study, each student conducts a half concert with the NEC Symphony.