A community of spirited young people.

Plus superb conservatory faculty, and as many approaches to meaningful musical education as there are students — that’s NEC Prep.

Every week, over 1600 students from across New England — absolute beginners to the most advanced young musicians — participate in lessons, classes, and ensembles. NEC Prep is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation.

What do you want to do?
NEC Prep School Horn section rehearses

I want to play

At NEC, young musicians can explore all kinds of instruments, from early childhood on.

Prep Singer with Youth Jazz Orchestra

I want to sing

Young singers at NEC get a very special kind of training with lots of variety—voice lessons, choruses, jazz, musical theatre, rock, world music, and more!

Prep Piano lesson

I want to compose

Every musician is a composer. Students as young as eight can start learning to hear and create the elements of music.

Prep Eurhythmics Class

I want to explore

Foundation classes like chorus, music theory, composition, and the art of practice and performance are for every musician at NEC, whatever the level or instrument!

We invite you to explore the many opportunities for your child here. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’d love your family to join our family and make NEC Prep your musical home.

NEC Prep Suzuki students
Featured Events

Hear us play!

I just felt like it was home.
Prep Student

All levels

The NEC Difference: a place for every player

Kids can enter at any level of training and move at their own pace.

Prep Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

À la carte offerings

The NEC Difference: flexibility

À la carte offerings mean you have the flexibility to shape the musical education that best fits your child. Enroll in just one activity (ensembles, lessons, classes) or any combination thereof.

in the N E C Prep Harp studio

Faculty

The NEC Difference: faculty

Our faculty is world-class and wonderful, full of teachers and performers committed to nurturing young musicians.

An N E C Prep piano lesson

Certificate Program

The NEC Difference: challenge

We also offer a range of certificate programs for the committed student looking for an ambitious, advanced placement-like path.

Already enrolled?

Find current student resources quickly and easily.

Resources for Prep Students & Families
Recent News
Fri, October 23
Listening to Perspectives on Cultural Equity and Belonging: Part Three
In today's recap, we revisit the third NEC Perspectives Forum, in which Stanford Thompson sat down for a conversation with alumnus Dr. Darryl Harper '08 DMA, examining the history of NEC in the larger context of Black Studies and Jazz Studies programs across the United States.
Thu, October 22
Listening to Perspectives on Cultural Equity and Belonging: Part Two
In today's recap, we examine the beginnings of Jazz Studies at NEC through conversation with founding chair Carl Atkins, current chair Ken Schaphorst, and alumna Susan Calkins ’83 MM, whose doctoral dissertation and book focuses on the history of Gunther Schuller and jazz at NEC.
Wed, October 21
Listening to Perspectives on Cultural Equity and Belonging: Part One
The NEC Perspectives Forums, launched this summer, have provided an opportunity for students, alumni, and faculty to discuss how the past, present, and future of an NEC where everyone feels that they belong. The first set of forums focused on the Black experience at NEC, and lays the groundwork for future forums discussing a wide array of opportunities to create equity and belonging.
Mon, October 19
Gabriel Martins and Geneva Lewis Win Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Grand Prizes
Cellist Gabriel Martins ’21 MM and violinist Geneva Lewis ’20, ’22 AD are the Grand Prize winners for the Concert Artists Guild 2020 Victor Elmaleh Competition.
Fri, October 16
WBUR | Tech From The 1990s Is Helping Musicians Play In Time While Apart
NEC professor Ian Howell spoke with WBUR about his work on low-latency music making, addressing both the technology and the human need for togetherness through music.