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Community Engagement and Professional Studies

musician teaching young students

Three flagship programs focused on real-world learning

Embedded in the Boston community and beyond, CEPS offers a range of fellowships, internships, grants, job opportunities, courses, workshops, and more. These experiences provide students with the tools they need to discover unique and relevant careers that embrace music as a response to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary society.

Group of students standing together in a group.

Community Performances and Partnerships

students at panama jazz festival

A recognized trailblazer, NEC’s Community Performances and Partnerships Program is one of the premier programs in the nation for engaging conservatory students with their community through robust, meaningful partnership activities and high-quality training.

student painting

Entrepreneurial Musicianship

NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship program provides courses, project funding, and paid experiential learning, as well as individual advising for students and alumni. 

The EM faculty comprises conservatory-trained professionals with experience in a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to rock. They have deep experience — both onstage and beyond — and can assist NEC students and alumni with bio writing, resumes, grant proposals, long-term projects, career direction, and artistic goals.

Student in a classroom with a young child.

Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration

For more than a century, NEC has educated the world’s most extraordinary performers in their craft —as well as building the next generation of teaching artists.

Deeply rooted in real-world learning opportunities and community partnerships, our Teaching Artistry program provides an integrated understanding of music education that prepares students to become adaptable music educators. These artists possess the necessary tools to shape music learning within their communities as they contribute to the public good.

Take the Next Step

Apply to NEC

Are you interested in becoming an NEC Student? Begin the process by starting your application, requesting information, and learning more about our Admissions process.

CEPS LEADERSHIP

Tanya Maggi

Dean and Chair of Community Engagement and Professional Studies

Grace Allendorf

Administrative Director of Community Performances and Partnerships

Erik Elmgren

Assistant Dean of Community Engagement and Teaching Artistry

Ryan Mewhorter.

Ryan Mewhorter

Entrepreneurial Musicianship Program Manager

Kiyoshi Hayashi.

Kiyoshi Hayashi

Career Advising Manager

Kelly Knox

Teaching Artistry and CEPS Coordinator