Performances + Events
NEC Prep Applications, Auditions, and Registration
At NEC, music is everywhere, and the halls buzz with energy. Here, superb conservatory faculty guides a community of spirited young people, from absolute beginners to the most advanced students, through an exciting musical journey. It’s conservatory-level training in an open-enrollment setting, where our students rise to the challenge of rigorous music-making and relish being with other kids who love it, too.
NEC Prep is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation, with 1,500 students from across New England participating weekly in lessons, classes, and ensembles. There’s so much on offer here and so many opportunities for your child. We invite your family to join us and make NEC Prep your musical home.
Frequently Asked Questions
All NEC Prep students, both new and returning, must submit an application in order to participate in the 2024-2025 NEC Prep year.
A $40 non-refundable fee will be charged per application. This fee covers all auditions for as many ensembles, classes, or activities a student wishes to apply for.
Yes! NEC Prep awards more than $250,000 annually in scholarships. Students are welcome to apply at any time; however, the earlier you register and apply, the better your chances of receiving aid. Applications for the upcoming school year are available on April 15th and can be found in the Parent/Guardian Portal.
How to Apply
All applications are submitted through the online Parent/Guardian Portal. If this is your first time using the Parent/Guardian Portal, please be sure to create an account using your own name and information. You may then add your student(s) as family members in your profile. From there you will be able to submit applications for your student(s). If you have submitted an application through the Parent/Guardian Portal previously, it is not necessary to create a new account.
How to Register
Your placement letter will include the link to register and make your payment via our online registration system, ASAP.
Application Deadlines
Early Decision Deadline: May 15
- Final deadline for:
- Large Ensembles
- CHIPS (Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar)
- Priority deadline for:
- Scholarship
- Theory/Composition
- Private Lessons
- Applications submitted by May 15 will receive a decision by June 15
Round Two Deadline: August 1
- Final deadline for:
- Scholarship
- Theory
- Private Lessons
- Jazz
- Suzuki/Early Childhood Education
- Chamber Music
- Piano Seminar
- CMA
- All other classes and electives
Mid-Year Enrollment: Opens December 2
Mid-year enrollment for Spring 2025 courses will open on December 2. Click here to review our Spring 2025 offerings.
In addition to Spring 2025 courses, applications are still being accepted on a space-available basis for full-year courses. Please reach out to ee@necmusic.edu to inquire about mid-year enrollment availability.
Auditions
We welcome students of all levels, ranging from absolute beginners to the highly advanced. Most classes and ensembles at NEC Prep require a placement or audition. Our faculty use their wealth of experience and knowledge to make sure students are placed in the appropriate ensemble or class for their skill level or with an appropriate private lesson teacher who will help them grow.
Students may enroll in any program of lessons, classes, or ensembles for which they qualify, as determined by audition or placement. Although classes run through the full academic year, we are currently offering openings for mid-year ensemble placements and private lessons.
Students registered for 30 or 36 private lessons during the academic year are eligible for discounted rates on ensembles and classes, as well as participation in workshops, recitals, and masterclasses.
Who Needs to Audition?
- New Prep students
- Current Prep students who wish to audition for a different ensemble
- Current Jr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble (MYWE), Sr. MYWE, and MYWE Concert Band students
- Current students who wish to add new lessons or activities to their schedule
Current students who wish to remain in their current ensembles (with the exception of MYWE students) and who do not wish to add any new activities must submit an application, but do not need to submit new audition materials.
Audition Timeline
Audition videos for Large Ensembles and Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar must be submitted by May 15 via the 24-25 NEC Prep application. NEC Prep large ensembles consist of our Orchestras and Wind Ensembles, Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Baroque Ensembles. Placements are sent out on June 22.
Please note: students who are currently enrolled in our orchestra and chorus program and would like to advance to a higher level group must re-audition each year. All students in Jr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Sr. MYWE must re-audition every year. Please contact ee@necmusic.edu if you have questions regarding this requirement for your ensemble.
Students who have been accepted into a large ensemble from the spring auditions also complete seating auditions for their specific ensembles on September 7th.
Applications are available during the spring semester to join orchestra, wind ensemble, youth chorale, theory classes, chamber music ensembles, and private lessons at the mid-way point of the year. All courses, ensembles, and lesson packages are prorated for new students joining our programming or current students who are adding an additional class.
Contact ee@necmusic.edu if you have any questions.
Please note: current students may not use this application to join a higher-level ensemble or to change their private teacher.
Private lessons can be started at any time during the year. Rolling admission to our other offerings, such as classes and ensembles, is at the discretion of the instructors. For more information about late enrollment, please contact the office directly.
Audition Requirements
Children’s Choir and Chamber Chorus
All new students are required to audition.
Youth Chorale
Open to students grades 9-12 who are interested in being in a like-minded choral community. Previous experience in a chorus is not required, though all interested applicants are expected to have fundamental music reading skills (i.e. knowledge of major key signatures, basic rhythm and note-reading/naming skills, etc.).
All new applicants are required to complete an audition. Auditioning applicants will be expected to sing 2 contrasting selections of their choice, i.e. an art song, Broadway musical selection, a folk song, etc. Two contrasting languages are preferred, but not required. Applicants are welcome to perform with an accompanist.
Wind Ensemble auditions include Sr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Jr. MYWE. Audition requirements are determined by grade level for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Sr. MYWE
Open to students in Grades 10-12. All students are required to audition.
Requirements: Students should prepare two contrasting pieces at the All-State level. Additionally, students should submit 3 scales. 2 scales should be of the students’ choice (major or minor, up to four flats and four sharps). The third scale should be a chromatic scale in the range of the students’ choice.
Percussionists should prepare three pieces: one on timpani, one on snare, and one on mallets. There are no scales required. Please note that when you sign up for the auditions online, you will only be able to enter two pieces in the form, but percussion students should still be prepared to play three different pieces.
MYWE Concert Band
Open to students in Grades 10-12. All students are required to audition.
Requirements: Students should prepare two contrasting pieces at the All-State level. Additionally, students should submit 3 scales. 2 scales should be of the students’ choice (major or minor, up to four flats and four sharps). The third scale should be a chromatic scale in the range of the students’ choice.
Jr. MYWE
Open to students in Grades 6-9. All students are required to audition.
Requirements: Students should prepare two contrasting pieces at the Junior District level. Additionally, students should submit 3 scales. 2 scales should be of the students’ choice (major or minor, up to three flats and three sharps). The third scale should be a chromatic scale in the range of the students’ choice.
Youth Brass Ensemble
Requirements: If you participated for these ensembles in the 2023-2024 year, you do not need to re-audition.
Grades 6-9 in Fall of 2023
Students should prepare two contrasting selections at the Junior District level.
Additionally, students should be prepared to play scales up to 3 flats and 3 sharps plus a chromatic scale.
Grades 10-12 in Fall of 2023
Students should prepare two contrasting selections at the All-State level.
Additionally, students should be prepared to play scales up to 4 flats and 4 sharps plus a chromatic scale.
The orchestra audition requirements below are the same for both orchestra and Baroque ensembles.
String, Wind, Brass, and Harp Players: Solo Piece Guidelines
Prepare two solo works or two movements from the same work that represent contrasting styles. Students will also be asked to present two scales of their choice (any mode, any key).
Please keep in mind the following when selecting solo pieces:
One piece should be fast and technical
One piece should be slower and more lyric
Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces
The most important thing is that you present your best playing and select works that you (in consultation with your private teacher) have prepared in advance of your audition. Audition pieces should be works that you know well and that demonstrate your range of technical abilities and musicianship.
Optional: The following solo concerti are examples of repertoire for string players that are good for higher level large ensemble auditions. This is a guideline of works to consider for the audition. These are NOT required.
Violin — Mozart, Haydn
Viola — Stamitz, Hoffmeister, Telemann
Cello — Haydn, Boccherini
Bass — Dittersdorf, Dragonetti, Bottesini
Students who wish to be considered for placement in the full orchestras (Junior Repertory Orchestra, Youth Repertory Orchestra, Youth Symphony and Youth Philharmonic Orchestra) must also prepare the orchestral excerpts available below. The orchestral excerpts are an essential component of our audition process. Please prepare the excerpts thoroughly. They are an important part of our consideration in placing each performer at the proper level.
Percussion
Students should prepare three pieces: one on timpani, one on snare, and one on mallets. Please note that when you sign up for the auditions online, you will only be able to enter two pieces in the form, but percussion students should still be prepared to play three different pieces. Students who are interested in the full orchestras (Junior Repertory Orchestra, Youth Repertory Orchestra, Youth Symphony and Youth Philharmonic Orchestra) must also prepare the orchestral excerpts available below.
Piano and Harpsichord
Piano students may audition to play harpsichord in the Baroque Ensembles. Pianists should prepare two solo works or two movements from the same work that represent contrasting styles. Students will also be asked to sight-read and should be prepared to play two scales of their choice (any mode, any key).
Piano Excerpt
Full Orchestra Excerpts
Beginner students who would like to be considered for our string orchestras (STO, PSO< SRO) are not required to play excerpts.
Students who would like to be considered for Junior Repertory Orchestra or Youth Repertory Orchestra should submit:
Two contrasting solos two to three minutes each in length.
Two scales (any mode, any key)
Only excerpt no. 1 for their instrument from the pdf below.
Students who would like to be considered for Youth Symphony or Youth Philharmonic Orchestra should submit:
Two solos of approximately five minutes each. Partial movements – for instance, the exposition of a concerto first movement – are acceptable.
Two scales (any mode, any key)
ALL the excerpts for their instrument from the pdf below
NOTE: Excerpts for auxiliary wind instruments – piccolo, English horn, E-flat clarinet or bass clarinet – are optional. However, flutists who would like to be considered for Youth Symphony or Youth Philharmonic Orchestra are encouraged to submit the piccolo excerpts as they will be called upon to play piccolo if accepted into either orchestra.
String Chamber Orchestra
Two contrasting solos two to three minutes each in length.
Two scales (any mode, any key)
Excerpts from the attachment below
These policies are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year.New students are required to audition. Returning students do not need to audition.
Requirements:
Brass and Saxophone
Solo Pieces: Prepare one medium tempo jazz piece of your choice (you should not play a ballad). Pieces by Ellington, Parker, Gershwin, Mingus, Monk, Porter, etc. are acceptable standards.
Scales: Prepare Major scales in concert pitch: B flat and F (two octaves if possible). Prepare minor scales in concert pitch: C and A (two octaves if possible). Scales should be prepared in the following tempo: Eighth Note = 60 bpm
Piano, Guitar and Bass
Solo Pieces: Prepare one medium tempo jazz piece of your choice (you should not play a ballad). Pieces by Ellington, Parker, Gershwin, Mingus, Monk, Porter, etc. are acceptable standards.
Scales: Prepare Major scales in concert pitch: B flat and F (two octaves if possible). Prepare minor scales in concert pitch: C and A (two octaves if possible). Scales should be prepared in the following tempo: Eighth Note = 60 bpm
Prepare a video comp/walking over a 12 bar blues
Drummers
Please play various tempos, swings, and Latin grooves. It is not necessary to present the requirements listed above.
For students with a strong interest in chamber music, NEC Prep is excited to offer the Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS)! CHIPS offers advanced students an in-depth chamber music immersion experience, with an emphasis on enhancing chamber music skills and performance practice at a high artistic level. Led by faculty members Laura Blustein and Soovin Kim, accepted students will be placed into a string quartet or piano trio and assigned repertoire to study over the year. The CHIPS program is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists.
Significant emphasis will be placed on performance; groups will have the opportunity to perform in recitals at NEC and in the community, as well as potential international performance opportunities. This year’s student-artists performed in masterclasses led by renowned musicians such as Donald Weilerstein and Miriam Fried. Past guest artists include the Verona Quartet, Paul Biss, Roger Tapping, Peter Salaff, Paul Katz, Areta Zhulla, and Kim Kashkashian. Given the intensity of this program, attendance at all CHIPS events is required.
Interested violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists between the ages of 13 and 18 years old are encouraged to apply.
Requirements:
Violin
- Lena Frank Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout, Movement VI: Coquetos (mm. 1-17)
- Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 13, Movement I: 1st vln part, (mm. 1-46)
Viola
- Lena Frank Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout, Movement VI: Coquetos (mm. 52-66)
- Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 13, Movement I: 1st vln part, (mm. 1-46)
Cello
- Beethoven Piano Trio in D Major Op.70 No. 1, Movement I. Allegro vivace e con brio (mm.74-120)
- Brahms String Quartet in C Minor Op. 51 No. 1, Movement II. Romanze (mm. 49-72)
Piano
- Beethoven Trio Op. 1 No. 2 in G Major Movement I (mm. 28-72)
- Mendelssohn Trio in C Minor Op. 66 Movement II. Andante Espressivo (mm. 1-32)
Tuition and Fees
Students must pay for courses, ensembles, and private lessons in advance for the year. A $50 registration fee is charged once per term (academic year or summer) per student. Students enrolling in September for year-long courses, ensembles, and private lesson packages are not required to re-register for those courses in the spring.
Due at the time of registration: 15% tuition, $50 registration fee, $30 evaluation fee, and $10 payment plan fee (per course).
The remaining seven installments are drawn automatically from a valid credit card furnished at the original registration or via check as agreed upon by the registrar, on the following dates:
- September 20, October 20, November 20, January 20, February 20, March 20
| Lesson Type Sold in packages of 30 or 36 | 30 Lessons | 36 Lessons |
| 30 minute lessons | $2,160 | $2,592 |
| 45 minute lessons | $3,180 | $3,816 |
| 60 minute lessons | $3,960 | $4,752 |
Higher rates apply for some instructors. Rates will be reflected in the online registration system. You may contact the Expanded Education office at ee@necmusic.edu to inquire about your instructor’s rate.
Please confirm the number of lessons and the duration of those lessons with the instructor before registering to ensure the student receives the correct number of lessons for the year.
Suzuki students are required to register separately for the appropriate Suzuki Group Class.
To be eligible for discounted tuition on year-long activities (classes, chamber music, jazz ensembles, and large ensembles), students are required to register for 30 or 36 Preparatory School private lessons for the year. Any approved cancellation or reduction of lessons below 30 will result in a reversal of these discounts.
Additional Fees:
- Registration Fee: $50
- Evaluation Fee: $30
- Payment Plan Fee: $10 per course
Due at the time of registration: $300 deposit, $50 registration fee and $10 payment plan fee (per course)
The remaining six installments are drawn automatically from a valid credit card number furnished at the original registration or via check as agreed upon by the Registrar, on the following dates:
- September 20, October 20, November 20, January 20, February 20, March 20
| Class Name | Fee | Private Lesson Discount* |
| Theory (all levels) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Jazz Theory (l and ll) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Jazz Theory lll | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| History of Jazz | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Jazz Styles | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Jazz Ear Training (all levels) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Oboe Reed-Making Class | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Junior Piano Seminar | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Intermediate Piano Seminar | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Angel Ramon Rivera Intermediate Piano Seminar | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Angel Ramon Rivera Seminar Piano Seminar | $1,957 | $1,859.15 |
| Eurhythmics (10 a.m. and 11 a.m.) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Diction For Singers | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Composition Seminar | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Alexander Technique: Mindfulness and Ease in Performing | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Suzuki Group Classes | $1,020 | $969 |
| Musical Explorers | $670 | $636.50 |
| Musical Discovery (not running in Fall 2024) | $670 | $636.50 |
| Sight-Reading for Pianists | $670 | $636.50 |
Additional Fees:
- Registration Fee: $50
- Payment Plan Fee: $10 per course
Due at the time of registration: $300 deposit, $50 registration fee and $10 payment plan fee (per course)
The remaining six installments are drawn automatically from a valid credit card number furnished at the original registration or via check as agreed upon by the Registrar, on the following dates:
- September 20, October 20, November 20, January 20, February 20, March 20
| Ensemble Name | Fee | Private Lesson Discount* |
| Youth Philharmonic Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Youth Symphony | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Youth Repertory Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Junior Repertory Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| String Chamber Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| String Repertory Orchestra | $1,123 | $1,066.85 |
| Preparatory String Orchestra (10:30 a.m.) | $1,123 | $1,066.85 |
| Preparatory String Orchestra (8:30 a.m.) | $1,123 | $1,066.85 |
| String Training Orchestra (8 a.m. or 9 a.m.) | $1,123 | $1,066.85 |
| Youth Jazz Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Senior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble Concert Band | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Youth Brass Ensemble | $1,123 | $1,066.85 |
| Friday Baroque Ensemble | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Baroque Chamber Orchestra | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Youth Chorale | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Chamber Chorus | $1,391 | $1,321.45 |
| Children’s Choir | $1,020 | $969 |
| Jazz Ensembles | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Chamber Music (all groups) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
| Contemporary Musical Arts Ensemble (CMA) | $1,339 | $1,272.05 |
Additional Fees:
- Registration Fee: $50
- Payment Plan Fee: $10 per course
These policies are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students may withdraw from courses, chamber music groups and jazz ensembles and receive a refund according to the following schedule:
- Before the first scheduled class or rehearsal, full tuition refund.
- After the first scheduled class or rehearsal, 75% tuition refund.
- After the second scheduled class or rehearsal, 50% tuition refund.
- After the third scheduled class or rehearsal, 25% tuition refund.
- After the fourth scheduled class or rehearsal, no refund.
Students may withdraw from large ensembles (orchestras and choruses) and receive a refund according to the following schedule:
- Before the first scheduled rehearsal, full tuition refund less $300 non-refundable deposit.
- After the first scheduled rehearsal, 75% tuition refund less $300 non-refundable deposit.
- After the second scheduled rehearsal, 50% tuition refund less $300 non-refundable deposit.
- After the third scheduled rehearsal, 25% tuition refund less $300 non-refundable deposit.
- After the fourth scheduled rehearsal, no refund.
Students must request withdrawal from a class in writing to the Expanded Education Office. Informing an instructor of a decision to withdraw from a course, stopping or withholding payment, and not attending classes do not constitute withdrawal from a course. There is no refund for year-long Preparatory School courses dropped mid-year.
Please note that there is no refund for the $50 registration fee and $10 payment plan fee.
Exceptional refund requests will be reviewed when the request is made in writing with adequate documentation.
The school reserves the right to cancel any class or ensemble with insufficient enrollment. In the case of a course cancellation, the student will receive a full refund of tuition and the registration fee.
Additional Payment Information
Students must pay their tuition and fees in full at the time of registration. The school accepts check, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, or Discover as valid forms of payment. Families that choose to pay by check must register in person.
Students are responsible for paying with a check or valid credit card. NEC will assess students who present non-negotiable checks, for any reason, a fine of $30 per check. The school reserves the right to refuse personal checks from students who have previously paid with non-negotiable items.
Students must pay any outstanding balances prior to registering.
The following payment plan is available for people who prefer to pay tuition in installments. Dates listed are for payment plans for the 2024-2025 academic year:
Payment Plan Terms
