Performances + Events
How to Join NEC Prep
We’re here to help you find the right path into the NEC Prep community, whether you’re new to our programs or returning to continue your musical journey.
Explore the sections below to find the enrollment steps, requirements, and timelines for your program of choice.
The application for 2026-2027 placement-based programs will open soon!
Enrollment 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.
Registration for 2026-2027 opens in mid-June.
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 (except Chamber Music, CHIPS, MYWE)
- You’re currently enrolled in a Music Theory, Eurhythmics, Piano Seminar, or Suzuki group class — you will receive your placement via email over the summer.
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 are a current orchestra or chorus student seeking to advance to another ensemble.
- You’re adding a new placement-based program to your schedule.
- You are a returning student in Chamber Music, CHIPS, MYWE
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 in mid-June.
CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL ARTS PROGRAMS
Full list of 2026-2027 CMA programs coming soon.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
- Music Discovery
- Musical Explorers
- Jazz Explorers
- Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE)
- Twinklegarten
- Little Penguins Prep Chorus
- Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Musical Foundations
ELECTIVES
- Alexander Technique
- Composition Seminar
- Young Composer’s Seminar
- Oboe Reed-Making
- Let’s Create! Improvisation, Composition, and Theatre Lab
- Sight-reading for Pianists (Level I)
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, Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensembles, Baroque Ensembles, Choruses, Youth Brass Ensemble, and Youth Jazz Orchestra
- Small Ensembles: Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Harp Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Recorder Ensemble, and Early Music Chamber Ensembles
- Chamber Music and Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS)
- Jazz Classes, Jazz Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons
- Music Theory, Ear Training, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics
- Piano Seminars and Sight-Reading for Pianists
- Suzuki Group Classes and Suzuki Private Lessons
- Vocal Theatre Lab and Art Songs Studies Lab
- Private Lessons*
*Students registered for 30 or 36 private lessons during the academic year receive discounted rates on ensembles and classes, and they 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 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.
Interested in applying to multiple placement-based programs? The Prep application allows for you to select multiple offerings and include as many audition materials as needed.
You can skip this step for registration-based programs, unless you intend to apply for financial aid.
For 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 starting in mid-June.
Follow the link below to access NEC Prep’s registration system, ASAP, to complete the registration process.
Registration for 2026-2027 opens in mid-June.
Important Dates
Application opens for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Applications due for students interested in the BSO X NEC Honor’s Children’s Choir.
CHIPS and Large Ensemble applications are due.
Round 1 financial aid deadline.
CHIPS, Large Ensemble, and 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.
Applications received after this date will be considered only if space permits and on a case-by-case basis.
All remaining placement decisions and Round 2 financial aid notifications are sent.
Applications are accepted as space allows.
Audition and Placement Requirements
The NEC Prep Chamber Music program offers intermediate to advanced students in strings, piano, woodwinds, and brass opportunities to perform in small ensembles one-on-a-part.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Receive personal attention from faculty in a nurturing small group setting.
- Learn practice and rehearsal techniques.
- Develop sensitivity in listening while playing.
- Share musical opinions and ways to interpret their scores.
- Develop more confidence in performing with others.
- Mature into deeper levels of musicianship while being motivated by their peers.
Each ensemble is coached by a highly experienced teacher and performer who has a passion for chamber music and loves to work with young musicians. Groups receive one hour of coaching weekly on Saturdays during the academic year and participate in end-of-semester workshops and concerts during the Winter and Spring Chamber Music Festivals. Select student groups may also have the opportunity to play in a Chamber Music Showcase in Jordan Hall and perform in and attend special masterclasses given by distinguished faculty artists.
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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
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
Excerpts
Please record and submit videos with the following:
- Two contrasting solo pieces or movements from different works
- CHIPS Audition Excerpts
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
Excerpts include:
Violin
Mozart String Quartet in D minor, K. 421
first movement beginning through measure 37
Brahms Piano Trio in C Major, op. 87
first movement measure 153 through measure 233
Viola
Mozart String Quartet in D minor, K. 421
first movement beginning through measure 40
Smetana String Quartet in E minor From My Life
first movement beginning to downbeat of measure 37
Cello
Mozart String Quartet in D minor, K. 421
first movement measure 67-end, take 2nd ending
Brahms Piano Trio in C major trio, op. 87
first movement measure 153 to 231
Piano
Beethoven Piano Trio in G major, op. 1 no. 2
second movement (Largo con espressivo) measures 1-40
Dvorak Piano Trio in F minor, op. 65
first movement measures 1- 72
Question Responses
As part of your application, please submit two short video responses to the questions listed below. Each video should be 60–90 seconds in length. You may record using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You’re welcome to prepare brief notes, but please avoid reading from a script. We’re excited to hear your genuine thoughts and see your personality come through.
Please record in a quiet, well-lit space with minimal background noise so we can see and hear you clearly.
- What challenges do you enjoy about playing chamber music?
- Tell us a story about one of your happiest musical experiences.
BSO X NEC HONORS CHILDREN’S CHOIR (NEW FOR 2026–2027)
To be considered for placement in the BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir:
- Apply by April 28: Complete the online NEC Prep application and include a letter of recommendation for the Honors Children’s Choir. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong pitch accuracy, music literacy, and the ability to prepare and learn repertoire independently.
- Save the Date: Live auditions will take place on May 29 and May 30, 2026, as part of the BSO × NEC Choral Festival.
- Next Steps: Our enrollment team will review all applications and send audition invitations via email in early May.
YOUTH CHORALE
All new students in grades 9-12 are required to submit an application and will take a live audition for placement. Information regarding the live audition will be shared after the application has been submitted.
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.).
Audition Requirements
Auditioning applicants should prepare two contrasting selections of their choice, i.e. an art song, Broadway musical selection, folk song, etc., and each selection should be at least 32 measures in length. Two contrasting languages are preferred, but not required. Applicants are welcome to perform with an accompanist.
CHAMBER CHORUS
All new students grades 4–6 are required to submit an application and will take a live audition for placement. Information regarding the live audition will be shared after the application has been submitted. Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
Audition 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.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
All new students in grades 2–4 are required to submit an application and will take a live audition for placement. Information regarding the live audition will be shared after the application has been submitted.
Audition 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.
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.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
For 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.
For Students with Jazz Experience
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 drums), and accompany a soloist with chords if you are a guitarist or pianist. Students will also be asked to improvise.
Applicants interested in joining an orchestra and/or early music ensemble at NEC Prep are considered for all available ensembles based on their application submission. The specific submission requirements are noted below.
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
Core Placement Requirements
All string, wind, brass, and harp students must record and submit video of the following:
- 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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
Ensemble-specific Requirements
To be placed in the following ensembles, students are required to meet these additional requirements as part of their submission.
Youth Symphony (YS), Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO)
- Prepare core placement solo works, which must be at least 5 minutes in length
- Prepare all Orchestra Excerpts for your instrument.
- If you would like to be considered for early music ensembles, prepare the additional early music excerpt.
- Flutists, oboists, and clarinetists: auxiliary wind instrument excerpts are optional, but please consider submitting, as you may be asked to play these instruments.
String Chamber Orchestra (SCO)
- All YS and YPO applicants are considered for SCO.
- For students interested in SCO who don’t apply to YS and YPO, please prepare the SCO Audition Excerpt.
Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO) and Youth Repertory Orchestra (YRO)
- Prepare core placement solo works, which must be approximately 3 minutes in length
- Prepare the Orchestra Excerpt for your instrument labeled as “YRO/JRO.”
- Flutists, oboists, and clarinetists: auxiliary wind instrument excerpts are optional, but please consider submitting, as you may be asked to play these instruments.
String Training Orchestra, Preparatory String Orchestra, and the String Repertory Orchestra
- No excerpts required.
Early Music Ensembles
Students interested in placement in an early music ensemble should prepare an additional early music excerpt for their instrument.
PERCUSSION
Core Placement Requirements
All percussion students should record and submit video of the following:
- Three solo pieces or sections of solo pieces
- Timpani
- Snare
- Mallets
Ensemble-specific Requirements
To be placed in the Youth Symphony (YS) and Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO), students are required meet these additional requirements as part of their submission.
Youth Symphony (YS), Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO)
- Prepare all Orchestra Excerpts for percussion.
PIANO AND HARPSICHORD
Core Placement Requirements
All percussion students should submit the following to be placed in early music ensembles.
- Prepare two contrasting solo works or two contrasting movements from the same work, each approximately three minutes in length. Avoid cadenzas or cadenza-style pieces.
- Prepare two scales of your choice in any mode, any key.
ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS
Orchestral excerpts are an essential component of our audition process, so please prepare your excerpts thoroughly. We’re excited to hear your work and place you in an ensemble where you’ll truly shine!
Download the Orchestral Excerpt for your instrument(s) below, and prepare the appropriate excerpts in consultation with your private or school music teacher based on the relevant ensemble-specific requirements.
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 (no concertos or contrasting movements from the same sonata).
BEGINNERS (NEW TO THE INSTRUMENT)
For those who are just getting started with their instrument, please record and submit video of 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 video of 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 video of 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
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
Wind Ensemble auditions include Sr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Jr. MYWE. Audition requirements are determined by grade level for the 2026–2027 academic year.
SR. MYWE
Open to students in grades 10-12. All students are required to audition.
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.
Students in grades 10–12 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.
JUNIOR MYWE
Open to students in Grades 6-9. All students are required to audition.
Audition Requirements
Students should prepare 2 contrasting pieces at the Jr. District level. Additionally, students should submit three scales: two scales should be of the students’ choice, one major and one minor, up to three sharps/flats. The third scale should be a chromatic scale in the range of the students’ choice.
As part of your application, please submit two short video responses to the questions listed below. Each video should be 60–90 seconds in length. You may record using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You’re welcome to prepare brief notes, but please avoid reading from a script. We’re excited to hear your genuine thoughts and see your personality come through.
Please record in a quiet, well-lit space with minimal background noise so we can see and hear you clearly.
- What do you hope to get out of your Jr. MYWE experience?
- How will you put in the necessary work outside of rehearsal time to prepare your parts and also participate to your fullest potential during our rehearsal time together?
MYWE CONCERT BAND
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 wish to submit an audition may apply for MYWE Concert Band without an audition; their director or music teacher will receive a prompt to submit a recommendation online (placement is based on available space). Students looking to become a member of MYWE CB using this method should fill out a MYWE application and will receive instructions for submitting a recommendation from their teacher.
YOUTH BRASS ENSEMBLE
New students are required to audition.
Audition Requirements
Grades 6-9 in Fall of 2026
- 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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
Grades 10-12 in Fall of 2026
- 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.
- Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
New students are required to audition. Audition videos should be submitted without piano accompaniment.
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 notes at tempo quarter note = 60.
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.
Rhythm Section Skills
- 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 Financial Aid
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition for NEC Prep varies by program. Visit the Tuition, Fees, and Payment Information for a full breakdown of tuition for ensembles, classes, and lessons.
Please note a $40 application fee is required for placement-based programs. This fee covers your application for all placement-based offerings, regardless of how many programs you apply for.
DISCOUNTS FOR PRIVATE LESSON STUDENTS
Students registered for 30 or 36 private lessons during the academic year are eligible for discounted rates on ensembles and classes.
FINANCIAL AID
NEC believes that access to transformative music education should be within reach for every student. Our financial aid program is designed to make participation in NEC Prep programs more affordable by considering each applicant’s financial circumstances and available funding. 27% of Prep students receive some type of aid.
Students interested in financial aid can submit a financial aid application through the Parent Portal. The same financial aid application is used for both registration-based and placement-based programs.
Visit the Parent Portal
