The future of music, made here.

The Writing Center

Two students writing on a sheet of paper.

NEC is committed to helping musicians develop professional skills in writing, critical thinking, project organization, and time management. Our Writing Center provides one-on-one support to all members of our community. Our tutors are professional writers and trained tutors who are skilled in working with both domestic and international students.

Two students writing on a sheet of paper.

Our model is collaborative. You have something to say, and we’re here to help you say it in the most effective way possible, and in your voice, not ours. To that end, each of our sessions is a conversation. We find the best way to start writing is to talk about your project. More often than you think the words are already in your head; you just need help getting them on paper! Our goal is to help you develop the skills to understand the writing task, focus your thinking, and communicate in a clear and convincing way.

While every session in the writing center is unique, the guidelines below show you what to expect during your visit.

The Writing Center is not an editorial service! While we can guarantee the “after” will be better than the “before,” it’s the process of working together that will raise your work to the next level.

Our tutors are skilled in working with English language learners. Diagnosing patterns of misuse is an important first step towards fluency. We’ll help you identify grammar problems so that you can avoid them in the future.

Yes! Brainstorming is a collaborative process. Together we’ll break down the assignment, generate ideas, determine the best structure, and finally, help you identify and avoid common pitfalls like unclear thesis statements, poorly developed paragraphs, unnecessary use of the passive voice, and distracting grammar mistakes. 

Hint: this process might take more than one visit. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your session!

We are not content experts, and it’s better that way. All of our tutors are well-versed in the Liberal Arts, but we are not musicians or musicologists. With your input, we’ll develop a thesis statement, ensure that your evidence supports your claims, and make sure that what’s clear to you is also clear to your reader.

Yes! In addition to academic papers, we’re here to help you with graduate school and grant applications, resumes and cover letters, bios and program notes. Together with our partners in Entrepreneurial Musicianship, we’ll make sure that your written expression is just as impressive as your musical talent!

Schedule Appointment

Writing Center Team
Headshot of Patrick Keppel

Patrick Keppel

Chair, Liberal Arts Department

Headshot of Ben Martin-Bean.

Ben Martin-Bean

ESL and College Writing