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
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 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 15th and can be found in the Parent/Guardian Portal.
How to Enroll
The application for Fall 2025–2026 will open on April 15th!
If you’re interested in starting private lessons or select programming in Spring or Summer 2025, please complete the 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 March through September 2025.
Registration instructions will be included in your placement mailing, which we will send after reviewing your materials.
Application Deadlines
April 15: 2025-2026 Application opens.
May 10: Round 1 application deadline. Deadline for CHIPS and Large Ensemble applications.
Mid-June: Placement decisions for CHIPS and Large Ensembles distributed.
Application deadlines for other Prep programming will be announced shortly.
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 and Sr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble 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 Jr. MYWE and Sr. MYWE) 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 (CHIPS) must be submitted by May 10 via the 2025-2026 NEC Prep application. NEC Prep Large Ensembles consist of our Orchestras and Wind Ensembles, Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Baroque Ensembles.
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. Please contact ee@necmusic.edu if you have questions regarding this requirement for your ensemble.
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 and Placement 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 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 3 scales: 2 scales should be of the students’ choice, one major and one minor, up to 4 sharps/flats. The third scale should be a chromatic scale in the range of the students’ choice.
Percussionists should prepare 3 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 1 solo piece 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. 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 2 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 2025
- Students should prepare 2 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.
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 2 contrasting solo works or 2 contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
- Prepare 2 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:
- 2 contrasting solo works or 2 contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
- 2 scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
- Excerpt no. 1 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)
- 2 contrasting solo works or 2 contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
- 2 scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
- Excerpt no. 1, 2 and 3 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)
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:
- 2 contrasting solo works or 2 contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
- 2 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:
- 3 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:
- 3 solo pieces or sections of solo pieces: one on timpani, one on snare, and one on mallets.
- Excerpt no. 1, 2, and 3 from the pdf below.
Piano and Harpsichord
Piano students may audition to play harpsichord in the Baroque Ensembles.
- Prepare 2 scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
- Prepare 2 contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
Orchestra Excerpts
These policies are in effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. New students are required to audition. Returning YJO students do not need 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.
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
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. 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 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 |
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
