290 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

Founded in 1867, the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest independent school of music in the United States. Rigorous musical education at the conservatory differs from a university by offering a concentration in one specific area of study.

NEC's programs of study focus on one-on-one studio instructions where students interact with their faculty mentor. Coursework and ensemble participation supplement this studio relationship where individual excellence is nurtured. The New England Conservatory offers a challenging yet supportive community where only the highest standards of performance and teaching are expected.

Though students in certain concentrations must submit a preliminary audition tape or CD with their application, students' academic records and transcripts have just as much weight and are carefully reviewed before admission to the NEC is offered. Between 35 - 40% of the applicant pool is generally accepted to the New England Conservatory with each major having a specific enrollment quota based on the number of spots left open after graduation from year to year.

Quick Facts:

New England Conservatory's student organizations celebrate and promote the diversity of the student body and include a newspaper, community service organizations, religious associations, and more.

The NEC offers the following degrees: bachelor of music, master of music, and doctor of musical arts. Diplomas (focusing on performance study without any required academic coursework) in undergraduate, graduate, and artist are also offered.

New England Conservatory offers a joint double degree program with Tufts University where, at the completion of the program, the student ears a bachelor of music degree from NEC and a bachelor of arts degree from Tufts.

Majors offered at the New England Conservatory include the following: choral conducting, collaborative piano, composition, guitar, harp, piano, vocal performance, brass, jazz studies, percussion, and more.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.