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Prep 75

Inspiring the future of music since 1950.

Prep 75.
Young students standing on stage performing a dance.

NEC Prep 75th Anniversary

A home for young musicians since 1950.

Celebrating 75 Years of Youth Music Education at NEC Preparatory School

Founded in 1950, NEC Prep has been a leader in youth music education for generations of young musicians.

In 2025, NEC Prep celebrates its 75th anniversary with a yearlong series of concerts, master classes, and community events in Boston—honoring our legacy and future as one of the nation’s top music programs for students. The celebration kicks off on May 15 with a performance by the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Juliano Aniceto.

Two young students holding wind instruments.
From the Archives

Explore the rich history of NEC Prep through this slideshow of photos from the NEC archive, showcasing generations of young musicians in action.

  • The NEC Preparatory School co-founded by Frances Lanier (pictured) and Virginia Bacon, 1950.

    The NEC Preparatory School co-founded by Frances Lanier (pictured) and Virginia Bacon, 1950.

  • NEC Prep Program from 1954.

    This program is for a 1956 Preparatory Department performance in Jordan Hall, a few years after Prep’s founding.

  • Prep students rehearsing in Jordan Hall in 1999.

    NEC Preparatory School celebrated its 50th anniversary in November 1999. In this photo, Prep students rehearse for the anniversary concert in Jordan Hall.

The Future of NEC Prep

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Parents and young students in an early music education class sitting on the floor in a circle.

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Parents and young students in an early music education class sitting on the floor in a circle.

Visit NEC Prep

Join us on April 12 for Open House at NEC Prep

Three students playing brass instruments.

Register for a firsthand look at our vibrant community of young musicians, with opportunities for all age groups.

Save the Date

Celebrate Prep’s 75th Anniversary on November 15

Orchestra of young students on stage in Jordan Hall.

Join us on Saturday, November 15 for a daylong celebration of NEC Prep’s 75th anniversary, featuring master classes, panel discussions, and an evening concert in Jordan Hall. The 75th Anniversary Celebration Concert will bring together current students, faculty, and alumni in performances that highlight Prep’s rich legacy and vibrant future—including a commissioned work by alumna Lara Poe and a powerful finale featuring Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy. Additional event details will be announced soon.

Orchestra of young students on stage in Jordan Hall.
Young students and a teacher playing in a jazz ensemble.

Join Our Community

Be Part of Our 75th Year

Young students and a teacher playing in a jazz ensemble.

From private lessons to classes and ensembles, there are so many opportunities for young musicians at NEC Prep. Learn more about how to take the next step toward joining our vibrant community for our 75th Anniversary Year!

Event spotlight

NEC Prep Concerts and Recitals

THE LATEST NEWS FROM NEC PREP
New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School Celebrates 75 Years with Performances, Special Events, and a Concert for the City

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New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School Celebrates 75 Years with Performances, Special Events, and a Concert for the City

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For Faculty Member and Borromeo String Quartet Violist Melissa Reardon, NEC Has Long Been Home 

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New England Conservatory Applauds 2025 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipients

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  • New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School Celebrates 75 Years with Performances, Special Events, and a Concert for the City

    April 4, 2025

    New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School Celebrates 75 Years with Performances, Special Events, and a Concert for the City

  • For Faculty Member and Borromeo String Quartet Violist Melissa Reardon, NEC Has Long Been Home 

    March 24, 2025

    For Faculty Member and Borromeo String Quartet Violist Melissa Reardon, NEC Has Long Been Home 

  • New England Conservatory Applauds 2025 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipients

    March 18, 2025

    New England Conservatory Applauds 2025 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipients