The future of music, made here.

Jazz Studies

NEC Jazz Studies students rehearsing

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 students rehearsing
Jazz Co-Chairs Anna Webber and Ken Schaphorst

NEC Jazz Studies Co-Chairs Anna Webber and Ken Schaphorst

Ken Schaphorst and Anna Webber

From the Department Chairs

Jazz Co-Chairs Anna Webber and Ken Schaphorst

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.

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After NEC

Department Highlights

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  • Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson

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  • Faculty Member Tom Siders (BSO), Trumpet, Gives a Private Lesson

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  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    NEC Jazz Orchestra

    The NEC Jazz Orchestra performs classic and contemporary big band music under the direction of Ken Schaphorst and other faculty and guest artists. In this video, vocalist Huntley McSwain ’23 MM and the NEC Jazz Orchestra deliver a soulful rendition of Cab Calloway’s 1931 jazz-scat classic “Minnie the Moocher.”

  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    Jazz Composer’s Workshop Orchestra

    NEC’s Jazz Composers’ Workshop Orchestra features the music of NEC students performed by their peers under the direction of Frank Carlberg and assistant director Hunter McKay. Don’t Talk To Me Please, composed by CJ Schrieber ’23, features soloists Annalise Stalls ’24 DMA, alto saxophone, and Michael Gerace ’23 MM, trombone.

  • Performance Opportunities

    Performance Opportunities

    Jazz Ensembles

    Small jazz ensembles, coached by Jazz Studies department faculty, perform traditional and contemporary instrumental and vocal jazz repertoire. In this video, faculty member Jason Moran and his NEC student ensemble perform “Castle House Rag” by bandleader, composer, and organizer James Reese Europe.

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