Performances + Events
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
- 2024 at NEC: Highlights from an Enriching Year
In 2024 we experienced extraordinary performances, shared remarkable achievements, and made memories we’ll forever cherish. Here are some highlights from what was an enriching year. We look forward to a new year filled with camaraderie, spirited music-making, and shared … Read more - Balourdet Quartet Signs with Colbert Artists Management
The Balourdet Quartet, a group that was in residence in NEC’s Professional String Quartet Program from 2020 to 2023, signed last week with Colbert Artists Management, an agency whose client roster includes such acclaimed musicians … Read more - Boston Globe Names Yunchan Lim’s Chopin Recording Among “10 Best Classical Albums of 2024”
Pianist and NEC Concert Artist Yunchan Lim’s ’26 AD recording of Chopin’s Études was included on the Boston Globe’s list of “the 10 best classical albums of 2024.” The Globe praised Lim’s “performances of great thoughtfulness … Read more
