Auditions & Placements

We welcome students of all levels, ranging from absolute beginners to the highly advanced. Most classes and ensembles at NEC Prep require a placement interview or audition with a member of the faculty. This is an opportunity for families to meet with NEC Prep faculty and learn more about the program. The 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, and ensembles for which they qualify, determined by audition or placement. Although classes run year-long, 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. New students who sign up for 15 Spring lessons in 2022 will also be eligible for workshops, recitals, and masterclasses.

Types of Auditions

Choose from the following options to learn more about how to get involved!

• Large Ensemble Auditions
• Private Lesson Placements
• Jazz Auditions
• Chamber Music and Other Small Ensembles
• Music Theory
• Piano Courses

Auditions Timeline

Mid-Year Auditions (November-January)

Applications are open to join orchestra, wind ensemble, youth chorale, theory classes, chamber ensembles, and private lessons for Spring 2023!  All courses, ensembles, and lesson packages are prorated for new students joining our programming or current students who are adding an additional class.  Complete the application linked below by January 7th, 2023!  Contact prepplacements@necmusic.edu if you have any questions.

Application Link

Please note: current students may not use this application to join a higher-level ensemble or change their private teacher. 

Large Ensemble Auditions (May)

Large ensemble auditions take place in May via video for the following academic year. NEC Prep large ensembles consist of our Orchestras & Wind Ensembles, Youth Jazz Orchestra (YJO), and Baroque Ensembles. The online application for these auditions is open now via the link below.  Placements are sent out in early June.

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.  All students in Jr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Sr. MYWE must re-audition every year.  Please contact Colleen Murray, Admissions and Enrollment Manager, if you have questions regarding this requirement for your ensemble.

Spring entrance auditions are followed by fall (September) seating/placement auditions to determine a student's placement within the accepted ensemble. 

Placement Auditions (September)

Placements and auditions for private lessons, chamber music, jazz, theory classes, voice classes, piano classes, and electives take place each September. Students must be placed by a department chair for each class they are interested in. Students only need to take a private lesson placement if they do not currently have a private teacher.

Students who have been accepted into a large ensemble from the spring auditions also take seating auditions for their specific ensembles in the fall.

Jazz Department Auditions (January)

Auditions are also held in January specifically for our Jazz Department for all jazz offerings except Youth Jazz Orchestra (which holds its auditions in the spring). Scheduling for our January Jazz Department auditions begins in December.

Rolling Auditions

Private lessons can be started at any time throughout 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.

Colleen Murray, Admissions and Enrollment Manager

Email: colleen.murray@necmusic.edu

Phone: 617-585-1141