SOI JH

Join us for NEC SOI July 16–July 30

Applications are still being accepted on a rolling basis for NEC Summer Orchestra Institute (SOI), a two-week full symphony orchestra program, open to intermediate to advanced-level strings, brass, winds, and percussion students between the ages of 13-18.

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!

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?

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Resources for Prep Students & Families
Recent News
Wed, March 29
NEC faculty, staff, and students share women who inspire them — from the past, present, and future of music! This year's Women's History Month reflections are complete with a Spotify playlist, words of inspiration from Erica Washburn and Christina Davis, and a very special item from the NEC archives.
Fri, March 24
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol — NEC faculty and director of the Intercultural Institute — has teamed up with A Far Cry, founded by numerous NEC alumni, to create a new album, A Gentleman of Istanbul.
Fri, March 17
NEC honors the legacy of Marylou Speaker Churchill with a first-ever award in her name. Churchill served on the faculty of NEC's College and Preparatory programs for 28 years and was the principal second violinist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Thu, March 9
Eight NEC students, spanning jazz, Contemporary Musical Arts, and chamber music, spent the Panama Jazz Festival teaching hundreds of students, visiting the U.S. Embassy, and performing for a crowd of 30,000 spectators.
Wed, March 1
Through CelloBello, NEC cello faculty Paul Katz spoke with Ukrainian musicians about resilience, while CMA faculty Mike Block wrote an arrangement of a Ukrainian folk song with the Ukrainian national anthem to create a collaboration of musical solidarity across borders.