Performances + Events
Jazz Studies
NEC has long been a pioneer in the education of jazz artists, having started the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conservatory level nearly 50 years ago.
NEC’s community of alumni and faculty comprises some of today’s most influential jazz artists, including MacArthur Genius grant recipients and Grammy Award winners. NEC students can choose to study with anyone from NEC’s roster of world-renowned artist-teachers. Faculty-coached small ensembles—from free and early jazz to gospel music and songwriting—reflect NEC’s inclusive approach to music-making. Explore the jazz tradition and create the future of jazz music at NEC.
NEC Jazz Studies Chair Ken Schaphorst
Ken Schaphorst
From the Department Chair
NEC has long been a pioneer in the education of jazz artists. NEC started the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conservatory level nearly 50 years ago at the urging of Gunther Schuller. Our rigorous and open-minded approach to improvisation and composition has been a constant since Jaki Byard and George Russell created the school’s groundbreaking curriculum. NEC continues to train the most talented young musicians in the broadest range of styles, while at the same time seeking ways to expand the jazz tradition through the development of students’ individual voices.
Read moredegree programs
Take the Next Step
Apply to NEC
Are you interested in becoming an NEC Student? Begin the process by requesting information and learning more about our Admissions process.
After NEC
Department Highlights
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur.
-
Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste.
-
Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste.
Jazz faculty
Jerry Bergonzi
Saxophone
Frank Carlberg
Piano
Allan Chase
Saxophone
Anthony Coleman
Piano
Jorrit Dijkstra
Saxophone
Dominique Eade
Voice
Billy Hart
Drums
Ethan Iverson
Piano
Peter Kenagy
Trumpet
Jerry Leake
Tabla
John Lockwood
Double Bass
Cecil McBee
Double Bass
Donny McCaslin
Saxophone
Amanda Monaco
Guitar
Event spotlight
Witness artistry in action
