Expanded education
Learn from the best, across all ages and skill levels.
Expanded Education
Learn from the best, across the lifespan.
Music Education for All Ages
Expanded Education at NEC celebrates music-making of all kinds, with courses and ensembles offered in everything from classical to jazz, contemporary improvisation to musical theater.
The cornerstone of this programming is an acclaimed faculty of more than 250 talented musicians with extensive teaching and performance careers. Expanded Education students learn and perform in the same superb practice and performance spaces as those used by our undergraduate and graduate students.
Music Education for All Ages
Expanded Education at NEC celebrates music-making of all kinds, with courses and ensembles offered in everything from classical to jazz, contemporary improvisation to musical theater.
The cornerstone of this programming is an acclaimed faculty of more than 250 talented musicians with extensive teaching and performance careers. Expanded Education students learn and perform in the same superb practice and performance spaces as those used by our undergraduate and graduate students.
Contact Expanded Education
Our programs
NEC Prep
A rising generation of musicians discover their artistic passion.
A rising generation of musicians disover their artistic passion.
Adult Education
Lessons, ensembles, and connections for lifelong learners.
Lessons, ensembles, and connections for lifelong learners.
Summer Programs
Focused musical preparation in a supportive environment.
Focused musical preparation in a supportive environment.
NEC PREP
Every Saturday during the school year, NEC transforms into a vibrant K-12 community music school for students ranging in skill from beginner to highly advanced.
NEC Prep welcomes more than 1,400 students from all over New England, each exploring their own unique musical path. Some students pursue professional careers; but most become enthusiastic lifelong musicians.
I’ve known that NEC is a good place. As a family that’s into music, I just knew that we wanted to take our kids there.”
prep parent
Our Partners
Changing the world, one note at a time.
In partnership with other arts and educational organizations, NEC is helping more people access the joy and power of music in all forms.
Bridge to Equity and Achievement in Music (BEAM) provides pathways of educational opportunity to highly engaged and talented middle and high school instrumental musicians from communities historically underrepresented in classical music professions.
In partnership with other arts and educational organizations, NEC is helping more people access the joy and power of music in all forms.
In partnership with Mayor Wu and the City of Boston, NEC hosted the “Everyone Can Make Music” program in August 2023.
program spotlight
Early Childhood Programming
Everyone Can Make Music
NEC offers numerous opportunities for children aged 0-7 to engage with music in early childhood, ensuring a solid musical foundation and a love for learning. Additionally, we partner with the City of Boston to provide high-quality music education to nearly 600 young learners in local communities.
Summer Orchestra Institute
Summer Orchestra Institute
NEC’s Summer Orchestra Institute (SOI) is a four-week full symphony orchestra program for intermediate to advanced-level strings, brass, winds, and percussion students aged 13-18.
featured faculty
expanded education news
- Ten years after its premiere, BSO to reprise Michael Gandolfi’s “Ascending Light”Concert featuring the music of NEC’s 2024 Malcolm Peyton Composer Artist-in-Residence Valerie Coleman, as well as Malcolm Peyton’s String Quartet No. 2. Jordan Hall, March 28, 2024. Shown: Valerie Coleman, Michael Gandolfi Michael Gandolfi’s Ascending … Read more
- The NEC Jazz Orchestra inaugurates new season with tribute to an American master on Thursday, October 17The See’r: Charles Ives at 150 features new Ives arrangements by Ken Schaphorst and is the first event in NEC’s celebration of Ives’s 150th birthday On Thursday, October 17 the NEC Jazz Orchestra, led by Ken … Read more
- Marvin E. Gilmore Jr. ’51 DP, ’24 hon. DM Celebrates His 100th Birthday and Receives Honorary DoctorateNEC alumnus and President’s Council Member Marvin E. Gilmore Jr. ’51 DP, ’24 hon. DM took center stage at Jordan Hall on Saturday, September 21, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Gilmore officially turned 100 on … Read more
September 19, 2024
New England Conservatory Announces a Fully Funded Endowment for the Preparatory School’s Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar, Making This Program Completely Tuition-Free for Enrolled Students
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
Tonya McBride Robles brings a passion for access to Expanded Education at NEC
Read MoreAugust 26, 2024