Performances + Events
Chamber Music
Chamber music opportunities abound at NEC. Hundreds of students participate in chamber music ensembles coached by NEC faculty in differing genres—from string quartets, piano trios, woodwind quintets, and brass quintets to mixed ensembles comprised of winds and piano, winds, strings, and piano, or percussion, strings, and brass. Every group receives many hours of coaching every semester. Each semester culminates with a performance.
For advanced ensembles on the cusp of a professional career, NEC’s professional string quartet and piano trio programs offer top-quality, graduate-level training in all aspects of musicianship and career development.
Christopher Elchico and Ara Gregorian
From the Department Chairs
NEC’s specialized chamber music programs, the superlative artist faculty, the facilities, and the resources available to NEC’s students make our department a dream come true for those who cherish chamber music scholarship and performance. If you are a young musician who wants to attend a school where you will be among many other wonderful young artists who love chamber music, then NEC is the place for you.
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Chamber Music Degree Program for Pianists
NEC’s chamber music graduate program for individual pianists provides an intensive, personalized course of study dedicated to chamber music performance. Students experience working with multiple ensembles and coaches over the course of the degree program.
The program is available as a Master of Music, Graduate Diploma, or Doctor of Musical Arts degree in chamber music, offering a range of options for students at different stages of their academic and professional development.
Led by renowned pianist and educator Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, this selective program admits a small cohort of students each year. Applicants must demonstrate significant experience with chamber repertoire and performance.
Students rehearse and perform in six chamber ensembles across four semesters, with weekly ensemble coachings and regular studio instruction from Ms. Hornik Weilerstein.
Two additional semesters of individual coaching with another faculty member further enrich the learning experience. Performance opportunities include recitals, master classes, and community engagement events.
Students in the Doctor of Musical Arts program have additional academic and recital requirements, but their activities are otherwise similar to students in the MM and GD program.
Students will work directly with their advisor on a personalized curriculum plan regarding coachings, ensembles, and studio instruction, including the normal DMA coursework.
Professional Piano Trio Program
NEC’s Professional Piano Trio Training Program is a specialized course of study in the art of chamber music under the direction of Vivian Hornik Weilerstein. Established in 2002, the program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional piano trios that show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career.
Professional String Quartet Program
NEC’s Professional String Quartet Training Program is intended for existing string quartets selected by audition. Under the direction of Paul Katz, the program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional groups with the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career.
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