Performances + Events
Expanded education
Shape your musical future today.
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
Your musical aspirations take center stage.
Whether you’re beginning on your first lesson or refining advanced techniques, our programs allow you to reach new heights. With expert faculty and state-of-the-art resources, you’ll experience both personal growth and artistic excellence.
Contact Expanded Education
Explore comprehensive programs for all ages
NEC Prep
High-quality music education programs for students aged 0-18, fostering musical growth and excellence in a nurturing environment.
High-quality music education programs for students aged 0-18, fostering musical growth and excellence in a nurturing environment.
Adult Education
Conservatory-quality music instruction tailored for adults, with flexible schedules, expert faculty, and a supportive community.
Conservatory-quality music instruction tailored for adults, with flexible schedules, expert faculty, and a supportive community.
Summer Programs
Intensive, high-quality music education through private lessons, ensembles, and immersive classes with world-class faculty.
Intensive, high-quality music education through private lessons, ensembles, and immersive classes with world-class faculty.
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
Realizing musical ambitions
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. Students develop communication and leadership skills, learning the joy of music-making while developing lasting friendships.
featured faculty
expanded education news
- Fall Concerts Showcase Pathbreaking Vision
In 1967, Gunther Schuller began a decade of service as president of NEC, a remarkably consequential tenure during which he established the first fully accredited Jazz Studies Department at an American conservatory and launched the … Read more - New Artistic Co-Chairs Nurture the Spirit of NEC’s First Monday Series
New England Conservatory’s 2025–2026 concert season will celebrate milestones that reflect not only a history of artistic excellence but a continued dedication to musical innovation. Last year, NEC recognized the legacy of the beloved First … Read more - BSO Violinist Sophie Wang ’18 MM, ’20 GD Revisits the Audition Process
In June, New England Conservatory alumna Sophie Wang ’18 MM, ’20 GD was promoted to associate concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, whose violin section she first joined in 2022. The promotion was the result of … Read more
