Performances + Events
Our Youngest Musicians
At NEC Prep, our youngest musicians receive the same care and attention as our most advanced students.
Designed for children ages 0–7, our early childhood programs offer a joyful introduction to music led by expert faculty who specialize in teaching beginners. With flexible, à la carte options — from caregiver/child classes to preparatory choruses — families can choose the right level of participation as their child grows.
Current Programs
Let’s make music together this season! Winter and S pring 2026 registration is open for a variety of early childhood programs, including:
A fun, introductory children’s chorus for ages 4–6 that builds healthy singing habits, listening skills, and musical confidence through engaging group repertoire.
A caregiver-and-child music class for infants and toddlers that supports early development through singing, movement, rhythm play, and hands-on instrument exploration.
A family-friendly early childhood music class offering young children ages 1–5 and caregivers an interactive introduction to music through songs, movement, and creative play.
An early childhood music class for ages 4–6 that introduces rhythm, pitch, and musical expression through global songs, movement, improvisation, and ensemble activities.
A beginner piano class for ages 5–7 that introduces keyboard skills, music reading, and foundational musicianship in a supportive group setting.
Early Childhood Music in the Community
Inspired by a goal to increase access and exposure to music education among the youngest children of Boston, NEC offers weekly high-quality music and movement classes in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms in Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, and the South End in partnership with the City of Boston, ABCD Head Start, and Ellis Early Learning.
Led by experienced early childhood music teaching artists, these weekly music classes include singing, guided play with percussion instruments, expressive movement activities, and lots of collaborative and individual musical fun! We believe in making music an enjoyable, playful journey for children, where they can learn complex musical concepts in an engaging, accessible manner, encouraging a lifelong understanding and love for music.
Music is transformational. It connects the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — and so it can unlock the whole child. We know that music can support intellectual development; but equally, it can help a child’s social and emotional development, their sense of identity, their connection. It can help them belong to something, and become their own person.”
Andrea Kalyn
NEC President
Lessons
Private instruction is the foundation of a sound musical education. Students can begin private lessons on many instruments starting at four years old. String students have the option of studying with the traditional method or the Suzuki method. A unique feature of our private lesson program is that it includes the opportunity to participate in workshops, recitals, and evaluations, giving every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.
Discover Lessons at NEC PrepSuzuki
Shinichi Suzuki believed that “any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue.” This approach to learning creates a close relationship among the child, caretaker, and teacher. The caretaker is not only present at all classes and lessons but is also the daily home teacher. The principles of the Suzuki method include daily listening; development of concentration and memory skills; learning to work with other students, parents, and teachers in group activities; and continual repetition and refinement of techniques, which allows students to build on successes. The Suzuki approach sustains a positive environment for growth.
NEC Prep’s diverse early childhood Suzuki instrument offerings include violin, viola, cello, trombone, and early trumpet, with many options for private lessons and group ensembles.
Group early childhood classes are also available for pre-instrumentalists, ages 0 to 3, and budding instrumentalists, ages 3-5. Children and their caregivers are invited to participate in weekly music and movement classes where students develop rhythmic and melodic awareness, focus, social interactions, gross and fine motor skills, and musical curiosity. They use their voices, play instruments, and move their bodies, building skills to get them ready for instrumental study and igniting a love for and connection with music.
