The New England Conservatory of Music

The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) stands as a beacon of musical excellence, nestled on Boston's distinguished Avenue of the Arts, just steps from Symphony Hall. As a private music school, NEC is a vibrant community for approximately 750 students pursuing rigorous undergraduate and graduate studies, with an additional 1,500 engaging in its Preparatory School and School of Continuing Education. Students here delve into a diverse curriculum spanning instrumental and vocal classical music, contemporary musical arts, composition, jazz studies, music history, and music theory, with graduate specializations including collaborative piano, conducting, and musicology. NEC also offers unique five-year double-degree programs in partnership with Harvard University and Tufts University, providing an unparalleled academic breadth.

Founded in 1867 by Eben Tourjée, NEC holds the distinction of being America's oldest independent music conservatory. Its history is marked by transformative leadership, from George W. Chadwick, who laid the foundation for academic degrees and established early orchestral and opera programs, to Gunther Schuller, who in 1969 created the nation's first fully-accredited jazz degree program and pioneered "Third Stream" studies, now known as Contemporary Musical Arts. This rich legacy of innovation ensures that NEC remains at the forefront of music education, continuously evolving its curriculum to embrace global musical traditions, improvisation, and early music performance.

The student experience at NEC is deeply enriched by its location and facilities, including the historic Jordan Hall, a U.S. National Historic Landmark that serves as the conservatory's principal performance venue. The recent addition of the Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC) further enhances campus life. Beyond formal studies, NEC fosters community engagement through its Community Performances and Partnerships department and embraces future-forward initiatives under President Andrea Kalyn, its first female president, who founded the Center for Cultural Equity and Belonging to champion diversity and inclusion. For pre-college musicians, the Preparatory School offers an extensive program of lessons, ensembles, and unique opportunities like the Contemporary Music Festival and Summer Orchestra Institute, guiding young talent from ages 0-18 towards their highest potential.

Joining NEC means becoming part of a storied institution committed to artistic excellence, rigorous academic pursuit, and a vibrant, inclusive musical community dedicated to shaping the next generation of musical leaders and innovators.