Brass

Brass Studies at NEC Prep

Eli Epstein, Brass Department Chair

Faculty Directory: French Horn | Trumpet | Trombone & Euphonium | Tuba

Welcome to NEC Prep Brass! I'm very proud of our faculty, made up of some of the world’s finest brass musicians. These veterans of the BSO, Boston Pops, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New Haven Symphony, and Empire Brass are committed educators who are totally excited about teaching young brass players!

Ensemble experience is a huge motivator for young brass students. Since they only play a single line of a composition, it’s very exciting and empowering for a brass player to be an integral part of an ensemble. NEC Prep Brass offers large ensembles, such as Youth Brass Ensemble and Trombone Choir, as well as smaller quartets and quintets. These small chamber ensembles range from younger, less experienced groups all the way up to two honors brass quintets, team-coached by members of the NEC Prep Faculty Brass Quintet.

One-on-one instruction is the best and most efficient way to learn how to play a brass instrument. Private lessons with NEC Prep Brass faculty ensure that your children will develop healthy and strong fundamental technique and musicianship, and be inspired to be the best they can be!

Private Lessons

Private instruction is the foundation of a sound musical education. At NEC Prep, the depth and expertise of our faculty assure a great match for our students' individual needs. Private lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are offered for students of all levels (including beginners!) on trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.

A unique feature of our private lesson program is that it includes the opportunity to participate in workshops, recitals, evaluations, and our annual concerto competition, giving every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

Prospective brass students are placed by Brass Department Chair Eli Epstein, who will advise each student regarding an appropriate studio teacher placement and path of study. Private lessons can begin at any time during the school year.

Please email prepplacements@necmusic.edu for more information.

Suzuki Group Ensemble Classes

The NEC Prep Suzuki Program includes a 30, 45, or 60 minute private lesson and participation in one of our Suzuki group ensemble classes for students studying violin, viola, and cello. Learn more here.

Other Opportunities

NEC Prep Brass Students may also be interested in:

Workshops & Recitals

Brass players of all ages and levels are welcome to participate in this totally unique program. Some of the top players and teachers in the country—all faculty members—offer workshops and lectures on topics that range from the technical (breathing, posture, ensemble playing) to the practical (equipment choices, careers in music, auditioning). Students must be registered for at least 30 private lessons per year to perform in Brass Department workshops.

Due to space limitations, parents and guardians are not permitted to attend accompanist rehearsals or workshops, unless given special permission by the Prep Office. Any parents/guardians entering an NEC space (including attending the recital) MUST have completed the parent/guest attestation form. At this time, siblings who are not participating in the recital are not permitted to attend.

Students participating in a workshop or recital will be scheduled to rehearse with an accompanist on the Saturday before the workshop and recital. Accompanist rehearsals are scheduled around the students' NEC activities. Please communicate your preferred rehearsal times with the student’s private teacher before they are signed up for the workshop.

Due to our COVID-19 regulations, only one parent is permitted to be in the rehearsal with the student and their accompanist.