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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.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications for the Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS), Large Ensembles, and financial aid are due May 10, 2025.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

NEC Prep is open to students ages 0-18. From beginners to experienced players, all young people with an interest in music are welcome!

At NEC Prep, students can either participate in registration-based programming or apply for placement-based programming. Placement-based programming requires submission of video materials or a live audition via our application prior to enrolling in the class or ensemble.

For registration-based programs, students can sign up directly in our registration system, ASAP.

To learn which offerings are registration-based and which require a placement, check out our course catalog.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications for the Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS), Large Ensembles, and financial aid are due May 10, 2025.

For more information about additional deadlines, see the Application Timeline section below.

A $40 non-refundable fee will be charged per application. This fee covers all auditions for as many ensembles, classes, or activities for which a student wishes to apply.

Yes! NEC Prep awards more than $250,000 annually in financial aid. 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 15 and can be found in the Parent/Guardian Portal.

In addition to financial aid, 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.

Registration for the 2025-2026 year will open on June 15, 2025.

How to Enroll

Fall 2025–2026 Enrollment

The application for Fall 2025–2026 is now open!

Registration instructions will be included in your placement email, which we will send after reviewing your materials.

Apply Now

Spring and Summer 2025 Enrollment

If you’re interested in starting private lessons or select programming in Spring or Summer 2025, please complete the “Request Information” form below. A team member will reach out based on your responses. Be sure to specify whether you’re looking to start now or later. We are accepting applications for sessions from April through September 2025.

Request Information

Understanding Registration vs. Placement

At NEC Prep, students can either participate in registration-based programming or submit an application for placement-based programming. Placement-based programming requires submission of video materials or a live audition prior to enrolling in the class, while registration-based programming does not require video materials or auditions. See below for a breakdown of registration vs. placement-based programming:

Registration-based programming does not require video materials or auditions prior to enrolling in the activity. Registration for the 2025-2026 year will open on June 15, 2025. Current registration-based programming includes:

Electives

  • Alexander Technique
  • Composition Seminar
  • Young Composer’s Seminar
  • Oboe Reed-Making
  • Let’s Improv Classical!

Early Childhood Programming

  • Music Discovery
  • Musical Explorers
  • Jazz Explorers
  • Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE)
  • Twinklegarten
  • Brass AndrĂ© Ensemble
  • Little Penguins Prep Chorus
  • Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Musical Foundations

Returning Students

  • Returning private lesson students continuing with their same instructor(s)
  • Returning orchestra students who wish to continue with their current orchestra
  • Returning students participating in placement-based programming who received a placement recommendation during end-of-year evaluations

Placement-based programming requires video materials or a live audition via the Prep Application prior to enrolling in the activity. Placement-based programming includes:

  • Large Ensembles
    • Orchestras
    • Choruses
    • Wind Ensembles
    • Baroque Ensembles
    • Youth Jazz Orchestra
  • Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS) Program
  • Chamber Music
  • Contemporary Musical Arts (CMA)
  • Private Lessons
  • Piano Seminars
  • Sight-Reading for Pianists
  • Suzuki Program (Group Classes & Private Lessons)
  • Jazz Program (Classes, Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons)
  • Music Theory / Ear Training / Eurhythmics
  • Classes (ages 8+)
  • Voice Classes

Application Timeline for Placement-Based Programming

  • April 15: 2025-2026 Application opens
  • May 10: Round 1 financial aid deadline; Application deadline for CHIPS and Large Ensembles
  • Mid-June: Placement decisions for CHIPS and Large Ensembles distributed; Round 1 financial aid decisions distributed
  • August 1: Round 2 financial aid deadline; application deadline for placement-based programs:
    • Chamber Music
    • Contemporary Musical Arts (CMA)
    • Diction for Singers
    • Eurhythmics
    • Jazz
    • Theory
    • Piano Seminar
    • Private Lessons
    • Sight-Reading for Pianists
    • Suzuki
    • Vocal Theatre Lab
  • August 30: All remaining placement decisions released and round 2 financial aid decisions distributed

All placement decisions will include a registration deadline. Registration must be completed before this deadline for students to participate in programming.

Rolling Admissions: After August 30, applications will continue to be accepted on a space-available basis. Private lessons can be started at any time during the year. Rolling admissions for our other offerings, such as classes and ensembles, is at the discretion of the instructors.

Auditions and Placements

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 through our application. 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. We also provide offerings that do not require an audition or placement materials to be submitted. Registration for those offerings will open on June 15, 2025.

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 submit an application?

  • New Prep students interested in placement-based programming
  • Current Prep students who wish to audition for a different ensemble
  • Current Jr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and Sr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble students
  • Current students who wish to add new lessons or activities to their schedule

Audition and Placement Requirements

Placement Requirements

Please record and submit videos with the following:

  • Prepare two contrasting works. One work should demonstrate technical facility, and the other work should demonstrate lyrical playing.
  • Prepare two scales.
  • Additional video recordings of ensemble performances are welcome but not required.

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.

Audition Requirements:

Children’s Choir

All new students ages 6-13 are required to audition via video.
Requirements: Students should sing any song they feel comfortable and confident performing a cappella. It could be “Happy Birthday”, a folk song, lullaby, patriotic song, a tune from a musical, etc. It does not need to be memorized, but it should be a melody they like to sing. Additionally, students should upload one video explaining why they love to sing and any other details that NEC Prep should know.

Chamber Chorus

All new students grades 4-6 are required to audition via video.
Requirements: students should sing any song they feel comfortable and confident performing a cappella. It could be “Happy Birthday”, a folk song, lullaby, patriotic song, a tune from a musical, etc. It does not need to be memorized, but it should be a melody they like to sing. Additionally, students should upload one video explaining why they love to sign and any other details that NEC Prep should know.

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 students are required to complete a live audition. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Auditioning applicants should prepare two contrasting selections of their choice, i.e. an art song, Broadway musical selection, folk song, etc. Two contrasting languages are preferred, but not required. Applicants are welcome to perform with an accompanist.

Placement Requirements

Please record and submit videos with the following:

  • Two contrasting pieces, on any instrument, in any style of your choice.
  • Two scales of your choice.

All students new to the jazz program are required to complete a placement meeting and audition with the jazz department chairs after they submit their application.

Students who are jazz beginners: During the audition, students will be asked to play two contrasting pieces in whatever they are comfortable with. At least one of the pieces should demonstrate the ability to play/sing in strict metric time (music that has a driving rhythm and stays in a steady tempo). Students may be asked to do some simple improvisation accompanied by the jazz department chairs.

Students who are familiar with jazz and/or small ensemble playing or singing: During the audition, students will be asked to play two contrasting pieces, preferably from standard Jazz repertoire. This can include related styles like funk, blues, bossa, etc. Students will be asked to play the melody (or accompany it on bass and rums), and accompany a soloist with chords if you are a guitarist or pianist. Students will also be asked to improvise.

The orchestra audition requirements below are the same for both orchestra and Baroque ensembles.

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. 

String, Wind, Brass, and Harp

Audition Requirements:

  • Prepare two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces. 
  • Prepare two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.

Students who wish to be considered for placement in Junior Repertory Orchestra, Youth Repertory Orchestra, String Chamber 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, so please prepare the excerpts thoroughly. They are an important part of our consideration in placing each performer at the proper level.

Students who would like to be considered for the String Training Orchestra, Preparatory String Orchestra, and the String Repertory Orchestra are not required to play excerpts. Students should consult with their private teacher for guidance on if they should be preparing orchestra excerpts. 

Students who would like to be considered for the Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO) and the Youth Repertory Orchestra (YRO) should submit: 

  • Two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work, each approximately three minutes in length. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces. 
  • Two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
  • Excerpt no. one for their instrument from the PDF below.

Students who would like to be considered for the Youth Symphony (YS) and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO)

  • Two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work, each a minimum of five minutes in length. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces. 
  • Two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
  • Excerpt no. one, two, and three for their instrument from the PDF below.

* Students that prepare the YS and the YPO excerpts will automatically be considered for the String Chamber Orchestra (SCO) 

Please note: Excerpts for auxiliary wind instruments — piccolo, English horn, or bass clarinet — are optional. However, flutists and oboists who would like to be considered for Youth Symphony or Youth Philharmonic Orchestra are encouraged to submit the piccolo and the English Horn excerpts as they may be asked to play these auxiliary instruments.

Students who would like to be considered for the String Chamber Orchestra but not YS or YPO should submit: 

  • two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces. 
  • two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
  • SCO Audition Excerpt for your instrument.

Percussion

Students who would like to be considered for the Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO) and the Youth Repertory Orchestra (YRO) should submit: 

  • Three solo pieces or sections of solo pieces: one on timpani, one on snare, and one on mallets.

Students who would like to be considered for the Youth Symphony (YS) and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO) should submit: 

  • Three solo pieces or sections of solo pieces: one on timpani, one on snare, and one on mallets.
  • Excerpt no. one, two, and three from the PDF below. 

Piano and Harpsichord

Piano students may audition to play harpsichord in the Baroque Ensembles. 

  • Prepare two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
  • Prepare two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.

Orchestra Excerpts

All students are required to participate in a live audition, after submitting their application. During the audition, students will be asked to present two contrasting pieces of different style periods (not concerto, no contrasting sonata movements).

Beginners (New to the Instrument)

For those who are just getting started with their instrument, please record videos with the following:

  • Say a few sentences about yourself, including your name, age, and why you want to play the instrument you have selected.
  • Sing your favorite song or play something on an instrument you might be studying at your school (any instrument).

Non-Beginners (Some Experience)

For those interested in private lessons who have experience on their instrument, please record and submit videos with the following:

  • Two contrasting solo pieces of your choice
  • Two scales in any mode or key

Beginners (New to the Instrument)

For those who are just getting started with their instrument, please record and submit videos with the following:

  • Say a few sentences about yourself, including your name, age, and why you want to play the instrument you have selected.
  • Sing your favorite song or play something on an instrument you might be studying at your school (any instrument).

Non-Beginners (Some Experience)

For those interested in private lessons who have experience on their instrument, please record and submit videos with the following:

  • One short video introducing yourself, including your name, age, how many years you have been playing, and what pieces you are recording for the submission.
  • One scale (with or without arpeggios)
  • Two contrasting Suzuki pieces performed from memory.

All new students will sign up for an in-person placement meeting after submitting their application. No preparation is needed for this meeting.

If students wish to participate in a Prep Eurhythmics offering, they should submit the following in their application:

Eurhythmics Beginners

For those who are just getting started with their instrument, please record and submit one short video with the following:

  • Say a few sentences about yourself, including your name, age, and why you are interested in music.
  • Sing a song you enjoy.
  • Optional: Play something on your instrument.

Eurhythmics Non-Beginners

For those interested in private lessons who have experience on their instrument, please record and submit videos with the following:

  • Play two contrasting pieces of your choice on your instrument.
  • Sing a song you enjoy.

Wind Ensemble auditions include Sr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Jr. MYWE. Audition requirements are determined by grade level for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Sr. MYWE

Open to students in Grades 10-12. All students are required to audition.

Requirements: Students should prepare 2 contrasting pieces at the All-State level. Additionally, students should submit three scales: two scales should be of the students’ choice, one major and one minor, up to four sharps/flats. 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.

MYWE Concert Band

Open to students in Grades 9-12.

Students who audition for Sr. MYWE but are not selected will be placed in MYWE Concert Band, upon approval of the MYWE Concert Band conductor. 9th graders who audition for Jr. MYWE but are not placed will also be placed in MYWE Concert Band, upon approval from the MYWE Concert Band conductor.

10th-12th graders who do not audition for Senior MYWE may apply for MYWE Concert Band without an audition if they submit a written recommendation from their high school band/orchestra director (placement is based on available space). Students looking to submit a recommendation letter should fill out an application and will receive instructions for submitting a recommendation letter.

Jr. MYWE

Open to students in Grades 6-9. All students are required to audition.

Requirements: Students should prepare one solo piece at the Junior District level. Additionally, students should submit three scales. Two 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. All Jr. MYWE applicants will also be required to submit the excerpt for their instrument from the document below.

Jr. MYWE Excerpts

Youth Brass Ensemble

If you participated for these ensembles in the 2024-2025 year, you do not need to re-audition. 

Requirements:

Grades 6-9 in Fall of 2025

  • Students should prepare two contrasting selections at the Junior District level.
  • Additionally, students should be prepared to play scales up to three flats and three sharps plus a chromatic scale.

Grades 10-12 in Fall of 2025

  • Students should prepare two contrasting selections at the All-State level.
  • Additionally, students should be prepared to play scales up to four flats and four sharps plus a chromatic scale. 

New students are required to audition.

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.

Tuition and Fees

The listed rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 school year. 2025-2026 tuition rates will be listed in the spring. A $50 registration fee is charged once per term (academic year or summer) per student. Year-long course registrations apply to the full academic year (both fall and spring semesters) and do not require students to re-enroll for the spring semester.

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 Lessons36 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 NameFeePrivate 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 Senior 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 for Little Penguins (Spring 2025)$670$636.50
Sight-Reading for Pianists (Spring 2025)$670$636.50
Dramatic Vocal Arts (Spring 2025)$695$660.25
Piano Explorers: Preparing for Private Lessons (Spring 2025)$670$636.50
Let’s Improv Classical! Improvisation for Classical Kids (Spring 2025)$670$636.50
Young Composers Seminar (Not running in Spring 2025)$670$636.50
*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
  • 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 NameFeePrivate 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
*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
  • 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