Hello!
Welcome to New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School. Whether you are a student who has just begun your musical journey, or have already reached an advanced level of study, we invite you to make NEC your musical home. Our world-class faculty is committed to providing children of all ages with the best possible learning experience through offerings that range from private lessons and ensemble coachings to classroom instruction and intensive certificate programs. Prep students also have the opportunity to hone their performance skills through participation in workshops, recitals, and concerts throughout NEC, including our very own Jordan Hall.
Come and grow with us, connect with other creative young people, and make a joyful noise. We look forward to seeing you here!
Leslie Wu Foley
Dean and Executive Director, Preparatory & Continuing Education
Please choose an option from the menu at the left for information about specific programs, call the NEC Prep Hotline 617-585-1160 to speak with one of our staff members, or e-mail us at prep@necmusic.edu.
View the 2012-2013 NEC Prep Catalog
View the 2012-2013 NEC Prep Academic Calendar
View the 2012-2013 Tuition and Fees
Individualized Programs
There are as many approaches to meaningful musical education at NEC Prep as there are students. No two paths are exactly alike, but our goal is always to provide a deep and rigorous learning experience. Because our offerings are à la carte, your child can enter at any level of musical training, choose to enroll in just one activity (ensembles, lessons, classes) or any combination thereof and move at his or her own pace. If you seek a more formal curriculum, we can provide that experience through our certificate programs. Emphasis is on serious and professional training. We’ll help you find the best fit for your child!
The core of the program is one-on-one master/apprentice private instruction. This instruction, when supplemented by music theory classes and ensemble training, becomes the heart of our Certificate Program, which provides tangible evidence of progressive achievement during the years of attendance at the school.
All Preparatory School students are part of a unique musical community. Peer support and the sharing of ideas and talents are encouraged by many features of the program. It is the goal of the Preparatory School to provide each student a stimulating environment best suited to his or her age and education level. About half of the students who graduate from the Preparatory School each year go on to study music at conservatories and liberal arts colleges.
Here are some basic guidelines to have in mind:
- Private instrumental lessons are the necessary foundation for technical and musical growth.
- Classes in music theory, Eurhythmics, composition, history, jazz and the like provide additional context and understanding that inform students’ performances and musical development.
- Ensemblesof all kinds are offered at prep – small chamber groups to full symphony orchestras – and help develop the skills that can only be learned through playing with other musicians. Typically, pieces assigned in ensembles are less challenging technically than solo pieces students play, allowing students to learn listening, collaborating, and following a conductor.
- Chorus is something we recommend for all musicians, regardless of instrument! Singing enhances instrumental playing and it’s a great human experience.
Open Enrollment
Students may enroll for any program of lessons, classes, and ensembles for which they qualify. Early childhood studies involve children as young as 4 years old in Eurhythmics classes, and older and more advanced students can choose from a full range of music theory, jazz, and private instrumental, composition, and voice studies.
Students registered for at least twelve private lessons each semester are eligible for discounted rates on ensembles and classes, as well as participation in workshops, recitals, masterclasses, and the annual concerto competition.
It is the responsibility of parents and students to coordinate their individual Saturday schedule of lessons, classes, and ensembles. It is usually most effective to start by considering large ensemble rehearsal schedules, followed by theory classes and chamber music, and then to work with the private teacher to schedule the lesson around the student’s other activities. Prep School staff and faculty will do all they can to assist you in this process.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance, please feel free to contact us by calling (617) 585-1160, e-mailing prep@necmusic.edu, or stopping by our main office during our office hours. For our office hours and location, please click here: http://necmusic.edu/prep/information
photos by Andrew Hurlbut
2013-03-26
VIRGIL THOMSON