Preparatory School | Music Theory

Some Music Theory faculty also teach Composition studio. Music Theory and Composition have separate chairs.

Preparatory School
Department

Every musician is a composer. Students as young as eight can start learning to hear and create the elements of music.

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Large Ensemble

Discover Fall 2023 Offerings

At NEC Prep, we believe that music is an essential component of a well-rounded education, and we are committed to providing students with the tools they need to become accomplished musicians and lifelong learners. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire you, and we are confident that you will find a lesson or program to meet your needs and be both enriching and rewarding.

Suzuki Lesson

Create your NEC Prep Parent Portal

To apply for any of NEC Prep's programs, parents/guardians of students younger than 18 must create an account in our Parent Portal. Accounts only need to be created once, and they will provide a smoother experience going forward. You can access the application directly after the Parent Portal has been created and activated.

Prep Violin Lesson

A Place for Every Musician

À la carte offerings give you have the flexibility to shape the musical education that best fits your child. Enroll in just one activity (ensembles, lessons, classes) or any combination thereof. Students can enter at any level of training and move at their own pace.

Faculty conducting large ensemble

Learn More About NEC Prep Faculty

Our world-class faculty at NEC Prep are exceptional teachers, as well as dedicated performers, committed to inspiring young musicians. They provide a nurturing, positive, and challenging learning experience for all students, regardless of their level of proficiency. Join our community today and experience unparalleled mentorship and instruction from our talented faculty.

MYWE 2019

Discover NEC Prep Concerts & Events

Stay up-to-date with the latest concerts and events happening at NEC Prep by exploring our calendar and joining us for an upcoming performance!

The N E C Prep Junior Repertory Orchestra rehearses

Current Prep Student Resources

From the academic calendar to class schedules and locations, view resources that current NEC Prep students and their families access more regularly.

A community of spirited young people.

Plus superb conservatory faculty, and as many approaches to meaningful musical education as there are students — that’s NEC Prep.

Every week, over 1300 students from across New England — absolute beginners to the most advanced young musicians — participate in lessons, classes, and ensembles. NEC Prep is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation.

What do you want to do?
NEC Prep School Horn section rehearses

I want to play

At NEC, young musicians can explore all kinds of instruments, from early childhood on.

Prep Singer with Youth Jazz Orchestra

I want to sing

Young singers at NEC get a very special kind of training with lots of variety—voice lessons, choruses, jazz, musical theatre, rock, world music, and more!

Prep Piano lesson

I want to compose

Every musician is a composer. Students as young as eight can start learning to hear and create the elements of music.

Prep Eurhythmics Class

I want to explore

Foundation classes like chorus, music theory, composition, and the art of practice and performance are for every musician at NEC, whatever the level or instrument!

We invite you to explore the many opportunities for your child here. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’d love your family to join our family and make NEC Prep your musical home.

Already enrolled?

Find current student resources quickly and easily.

Resources for Prep Students & Families
There's still time to join Fall 2023 at NEC Prep
Secure your spot at NEC Prep! Start your application today and embark on your musical journey.
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Profile

Born in Los Angeles, California in 1985, Nicholas Urie was a recipient of the first annual ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award at the age of 17. He left Los Angeles to study composition with Bob...

Ginny Latts
Profile

B.A. summa cum laude, Macalester College; Dalcroze Certificate and License, Longy School of Music; studies with Lisa Parker and Anne Farber; Dalcroze School of Music with Hilda Schuster; Columbia...

Margaret McAllister
Profile

Margaret McAllister, a composer member and Co-President of Composers in Red Sneakers, has composed music for many different genres, including orchestral works, choral music, a variety of chamber...

Profile

Michael Weinstein (born June 26, 1960 Lausanne, Switzerland) is a composer, theorist, hornist, and educator.  He studied at the Conservatory of the State University of New York College at Purchase (B...

Profile

Stephen Savage was a faculty member at Berklee College of Music for five years (1975-1980), where he taught theory, counterpoint, figured bass, composition, and piano. Since 1980 he has been on the...

Rodney Lister
Profile

Composer Rodney Lister has received commissions, grants, fellowships, and awards from the Berkshire Music Center (Tanglewood), the Fromm Foundation, the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, the Fires of...