The New England Conservatory of Music

About
The New England Conservatory of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was founded 1867 through the efforts of music teacher Eben Tourjee who had over the years attempted several times to found a conservatory in the style of Europe. Tourjee's first attempt met with failure due to the possibility of civil war, followed by the founding of several music schools in Rhode Island, which allowed for investment to take place on his next attempt to found a conservatory in Boston. NEC is the oldest school of music in the United States and and the only one to be designated a national historic landmark.

Academics
NEC provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the various disciplines and studies of music. Majors are covered by the various departments, allowing students to choose the course of study that best reflects his or her musical interests. NEC also operates a preparatory school for developing young talent and a continuing division for individuals wishing to refresh and revisit their skills.

Some majors available include:

Jazz Studies
Music History
Percussion
Contemporary Improvisation
Chamber Music

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enter NEC must complete the application for admission, select a program of study and perform at an audition in order to be considered for enrollment. As enrollment is limited yearly, each programs has a specific number of applicants that may enroll and thus admissions are highly competitive and selective.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students needing assistance must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which will be used to determine financial need, aid program eligibility and monetary awards. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year. Students may be chosen at random to provide additional information to verify the accuracy of the FAFSA due to new federal regulations regarding aid.

Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by The New England Conservatory of Music by clicking the request information to the right.

Visual and Performing Arts

Violin, Viola, Guitar and Other Stringed Instruments (B, C, D, M)
Jazz and Jazz Studies (B, C, M)
Woodwind Instruments (B, C, D, M)
Voice and Opera (B, C, M)
Piano and Organ (B, C, D, M)
Brass Instruments (B, M)
Music Theory and Composition (B, C, D, M)
Music Pedagogy (M)
Music Performance (C)
Conducting (C, M)
Percussion Instruments (B, C, M)

Notes:
*Amounts for tuition, fees, and supplies are an estimate which are calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only.
**Repayment rates, earnings, and loan payments are estimates and should be treated as informational tools only, contact the school for official information.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

Once scholarships, grants and other forms of aid are calculated, the expected average cost for students at this school is $47,900. To calculate a more personalized cost check out their cost calculator here. A fee of $125 is required from all applicants. Financial aid information may be obtained by contacting the financial aid office at (617) 585-1110. The figures listed are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Note: Financial aid is only available for those who qualify, check with the school for details.

Tuition & Fees Information

Undergraduate Courses - Tuition Details

The estimated tuition range is around $50,000-$59,000 per year
The estimated tuition for part time students is around $1,600 to $1,900 per credit hour
Required fees for full-time students: $920

Graduate Courses - Tuition Details

The estimated tuition range for graduate students is around $50,000-$59,000 per year
Per unit charges are around $3,500 for part time students
Required fees for graduate students are around $920