Performances + Events
Adult Education Private Lessons
Whatever your musical goals, in-person and online private lessons through NEC’s Adult Education program can help you get where you want to go.
Both advanced musicians and beginners can study one-on-one with our exceptional Adult Education voice and instrumental faculty in the areas of classical, jazz, contemporary musical arts, and world music.
Private lessons are also available in composition, conducting, jazz arranging, music theory, musical sight reading, orchestration, and music technology.
Are you a new student interested in taking music lessons at NEC? Complete our interest form to get started.
Flexible, World-Class Instruction
NEC’s Adult Education lessons are built around your schedule and lifestyle. Choose the format that works best for you — in-person, online, or a hybrid of both. Whichever path you choose, you’ll have access to outstanding teachers who are eager to support your musical journey.
In-Person Lessons
Receive face-to-face instruction and take advantage of our on-campus resources in Boston.
Online Lessons
Leverage the latest technology to take lessons online from anywhere in the world.
Lesson Offerings
NEC offers in-person and online lessons in the following areas:
Arranging
Banjo
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Composition
Double Bass
Drumset
Electric Bass
English Horn
Flute
French Horn
Guitar
Harp
Harpsichord
Improvisation
Mandolin
Music Notation
Music Theory
Oboe
Percussion
Piano
Piccolo
Recorder
Saxophone
Songwriting
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Voice
Viola
Violin
Arranging
Banjo
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Composition
Double Bass
Drumset
Electric Bass
English Horn
Flute
French Horn
Guitar (Classical, Jazz, Rock/Pop)
Harp
Harpsichord
Improvisation
Mandolin
Music Notation
Music Theory
Oboe
Percussion
Piano
Piccolo
Recorder
Saxophone
Songwriting
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Voice
Viola
Violin
Recitals and Performance Opportunities
Both in-person and online students can participate in master classes, workshops, and recitals throughout the academic year. Enrich your learning experience and showcase your skills alongside other NEC Adult Education students.
Tuition and Fees
2026–2027 Private Lesson Fees
Private lesson fees are based on lesson length. Please note that higher rates may apply for some instructors.
- 30 minute lessons: $80
- 45 minute lessons: $115
- 60 minute lessons: $150
Optional Payment Plan
Students may choose to pay by installments as follows:
- Due at the time of registration: 20% tuition
- $50 payment plan fee (per registration)
- The remaining balance will be split into four equal monthly installments and automatically charged to the credit card on file on the 5th of each month.
- For students enrolling during the summer for the upcoming academic year, installment payments begin on August 5.
Lesson Withdrawals and Refunds
Because teachers set aside time slots on the basis of registrations and often refuse other students, both the teacher and the student must agree on the amount refunded to a student who wishes to withdraw. Any instances in which the teacher and student cannot agree should be referred to the Adult Education office.
Students are expected to appear for regularly scheduled lessons. Teacher absences will be made up at times arranged with the student. If the student and teacher agree that the number of registered lessons cannot be met in the academic year, students may either make up the missed lessons or request a refund by the end of the academic year for which the student was initially registered.
Student absences for any reason do not qualify as refundable missed lessons. Teachers may make up these lessons at their discretion, but a makeup cannot be guaranteed for absences incurred by the student.
Begin Lessons Today
For New Students
Before you register for your lessons, you will have a virtual meeting with our department chairs who will match you with a teacher suited to your needs. Complete our interest form to get started.
For Current Students
If you are already enrolled in private lessons and would like to register for additional lessons, please confirm dates and times with your teacher, then complete the private lesson confirmation form.
Contact Us
If you have any additional questions, please contact our office by emailing adulteducation@necmusic.edu or calling (617) 585-1160.
