Performances + Events
Applications, Auditions, and Registration
NEC Prep provides exceptional music training for ages 0–18, from first-time learners to advanced students preparing for conservatory. Each week, 1,500+ students take lessons, join ensembles, and attend classes led by inspiring faculty. Our team helps every student grow by placing them in the right setting to match their goals.
Applications for placement-based programs are due August 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Apply now through the Parent Portal.
Apply NowEnrollment Types
NEC Prep programs fall into two categories: registration-based and placement-based programs.
Registration-based Programs
No application or audition is required for these programs — just register for any program that’s right for you.
Placement-based Programs
These programs require an application and either a video submission or live audition before you can enroll.
Not sure which category applies to your program?
You should register directly if:
- You’re enrolling in an early childhood program
- You’re a returning student continuing with the same teacher, class, or ensemble (based on last year’s placement)
You should submit an application if:
- You’re new to NEC Prep and enrolling in a placement-based program
- You’re a returning student switching ensembles, classes, or teachers
- You’re currently in CHIPS, Chamber Music, or Jr./Sr. MYWE
- You’re adding a new program (lesson, class, or ensemble) to your schedule
Use the sections below to find out which process your program follows.
The programs below do not require an audition or video submission. Students can register directly when registration opens on June 15, 2025.
Electives
- Alexander Technique
- Composition Seminar
- Young Composer’s Seminar
- Oboe Reed-Making
- Let’s Improv Classical!
Early Childhood Programs
- Music Discovery
- Musical Explorers
- Jazz Explorers
- Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE)
- Twinklegarten
- Little Penguins Prep Chorus
- Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Musical Foundations
Returning Students
No application is needed if your child is:
- Continuing private lessons with the same instructor
- Returning to the same orchestra
- Enrolling in the same Music Theory, Eurhythmics, Piano Seminar, or Suzuki group class, based on prior placement recommendations
These programs require an application and either a video submission or live audition before you can enroll. You’ll apply through the NEC Prep Application.
Programs that require placement include:
- Large Ensembles: Orchestras, Wind Ensembles, Baroque Ensembles, Choruses, and Youth Jazz Orchestra
- Chamber Music and the Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS) Program
- Contemporary Musical Arts (CMA)
- Private Lessons*
- Suzuki Group Classes and Private Lessons
- Piano Seminars and Sight-Reading for Pianists
- Music Theory, Ear Training, and Eurhythmics
- Jazz Classes Jazz, Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons
- Voice Classes
*Students registered for 30 or 36 private lessons during the academic year receive discounted rates on ensembles and classes, and are eligible to participate in workshops, recitals, and master classes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enrollment
Learn more about our available offerings and determine what is the best fit for your student.
Once you find the right program, determine whether the program is placement-based or registration-based.
Placement-based programs require an application and either a video or in-person audition. No application is required for registration-based programs.
You can find this information in the course catalog or by reviewing the Types of Enrollment information above.
Follow the link below to set up your account in the NEC Prep Parent Portal. Once you log into the portal, you can start a new application, continue an existing application, and check your application status.
You can skip this step for registration-based programs, unless you intend to apply for financial aid.
Access the Parent PortalFor placement-based programs, you will receive instructions via email on how to register for your program after completing the application process. Please do not register until you have received your placement email.
For registration-based programs, you can register directly at your convenience.
Follow the link below to access NEC Prep’s registration system, ASAP, to complete the registration process.
Register via ASAPTimeline for Placement-Based Programming
Application opens for the 2025–2026 academic year.
CHIPS and Large Ensemble applications due, as well as Round 1 financial aid deadline.
CHIPS and Large Ensemble placement decisions, as well as Round 1 financial aid notifications are sent.
Registration-based programs open for registration, including electives and early childhood programming.
Final application deadline for all other placement-based programs and Round 2 financial aid deadline.
All remaining placement decisions and Round 2 financial aid notifications are sent.
Rolling admissions begin as space allows.
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:
- Two contrasting solo pieces or movements from different works
- CHIPS Audition Excerpts
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.
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.
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! To review all of our offerings, see our Course Catalog.
Tuition for NEC Prep varies by program. For a full breakdown of tuition for private lessons, classes, and ensembles please visit the Tuition, Fees, and Payment Information page.
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 Portal. Remember that all financial aid applications must be submitted through the Parent Portal, even for families participating in registration-based programs that don’t require a placement application.
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.
No, audition videos should not include piano accompaniment. Please submit unaccompanied audition videos wherever possible.
No, you can submit one application. The NEC Prep application allows for you to select multiple offerings and include as many audition materials as are required by each program.
You can note your preference in your application, but placements are primarily based on your audition materials and space availability.
We strongly encourage all applications to be submitted by August 1. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space permits and on a case-by-case basis.
