Founded in 1867 by Julius Eichberg, Boston Conservatory is recognized worldwide for its specialized training in dance, music, and theater; it is nestled in the heart of Boston’s rich cultural and educational landscape.
The school’s commitment to innovation is evident in its history, from establishing the first all-female string quartet to creating the first-ever department of grand opera.
Back in the 1920s, under the leadership of Boston Pops conductor Agide Jacchia, the Conservatory attracted top-tier faculty to train the next generation of performing artists and entrepreneurs.
With its excellent faculty, deep historical roots, and prime location in vibrant Boston, Boston Conservatory is a fantastic option for many music students.
On June 1, 2016, Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music merged to form a single institution.
As part of the Berklee family, Boston Conservatory continues to offer amazing opportunities for artistic growth and professional development.
Today, we’ll examine the school’s acceptance rate, notable alumni and faculty, and other important details about the school.
Boston Conservatory Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate into Boston Conservatory is 46%. This is according to multiple sources, including The Princeton Review and PrepScholar.
That means approximately one in two candidates who apply ultimately get accepted.
However, some programs at Boston Conservatory, frequently referred to as BoCo, are far more selective than others.
The musical theatre program at Boston Conservatory typically accepts less than 20% of applicants.
Facts & Stats about Boston Conservatory
Here are some quick facts to know about Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Number of Students: 840 (source)
Student-to-Teacher ratio: 5:1
Tuition: $51,580 (source)
Performances per year: 700 (source)
Boston Conservatory Ranking
Very few publications rank Boston Conservatory independent of Berklee, now that the two schools are merged into one institution.
If you want to see more of Berklee’s rankings, you can check out our article here on Berklee.
However, there is one eye-catching ranking Boston Conservatory does have…
It is ranked #7 for most represented on Broadway. In other words, many of the school’s alumni have found professional work as musical theatre artists on Broadway.
What Makes Boston a Great Place to Study Music
Studying in Boston offers a unique and enriching experience for music students, thanks to the city’s vibrant artistic scene.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest ensembles in the country, provides unparalleled opportunities to witness world-class classical orchestral performances.
During the summer months, students can enjoy the BSO’s performances at Tanglewood, just a few hours away, offering a unique atmosphere for musical appreciation.
Opera enthusiasts will find satisfaction in the Boston Lyric Opera’s productions of major works, while those interested in Baroque & Classical genres can explore performances by groups like the Handel and Haydn Society and the Boston Early Music Festival.
The city’s musical diversity is truly remarkable, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests.
Boston’s concentration of prestigious music schools creates an incredibly rich environment for aspiring musicians.
In addition to Boston Conservatory and its adjoined Berklee College of Music, the city is home to Boston University School of Music, New England Conservatory, and the nearby Longy School of Music in Cambridge.
Collectively, these institutions present hundreds of performances each year, offering students countless opportunities to experience diverse musical styles and performers.
As someone who has guided many students through the music school selection process, I can attest that Boston’s sheer volume and variety of performances available, combined with the networking opportunities among fellow musicians from different institutions, create an amazing environment for musical growth.
Notable Alumni
Boston Conservatory’s alumni have made significant contributions across various music genres and related fields.
Jonathon Heyward, a notable conductor, has been making waves in the classical music world with his dynamic performances and recent appointment as Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, a renowned opera singer, captivated audiences worldwide with her rich mezzo-soprano voice and profound musical interpretations before her untimely passing in 2006.
Jazz innovator Sam Rivers, known for his work on saxophone, flute, and piano, pushed the boundaries of avant-garde jazz and has left an indelible mark on the genre through his compositions and recordings.
Gigi Gryce, another influential jazz figure, made significant contributions as both a saxophonist and composer, with his arrangements being performed by luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.
In the world of musical theater, George Bassman’s work as a Broadway orchestrator and songwriter helped shape the sound of numerous productions, earning him acclaim in the industry.
Victoria Livengood has graced the stages of major opera houses worldwide, including over 120 performances at the Metropolitan Opera alone.
Current Faculty at Boston Conservatory
Boston Conservatory boasts a faculty of accomplished musicians and educators who bring a wealth of professional experience to their teaching roles.
YaoGuang Zhai, a distinguished clarinetist who assumed the principal position with the Baltimore Symphony in 2019, exemplifies the high caliber of performers on staff.
Linda Toote, an accomplished flutist with a remarkable orchestral career, has held principal flute positions with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Tampa.
Steve Emery, a former member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, brings a wealth of knowledge in trumpet performance to the classroom.
Tenor Bradley Williams contributes his vocal expertise to the Conservatory’s voice department; he has regularly performed with opera houses around the world.
Nancy Zeltsman, widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost marimba players, has made significant contributions to the percussion repertoire with commissions and premieres of over 100 marimba works.
In addition to the music performance faculty, there are also a number of specialized dance & theatre faculty at Boston Conservatory as well.
Is Boston Conservatory the Right Fit For You?
Boston Conservatory can be an excellent fit for certain students, depending on their artistic goals and preferences.
If you’re seeking a focused conservatory environment for classical performance or musical theatre, Boston Conservatory offers world-class training in these areas.
However, for those interested in jazz or pop music styles, the affiliated Berklee College of Music might be a more suitable option.
The urban setting of Boston Conservatory is ideal for students who thrive in city environments.
With over 60 colleges in Greater Boston, students have ample social opportunities both within and outside their school.
Additionally, Boston’s vibrant arts scene provides numerous off-campus performing options, allowing students to gain real-world experience.
It’s important to note that Boston Conservatory may not be the best fit for students seeking a traditional university setting or those interested in pursuing a dual degree in a non-arts subject.
All degrees at Boston Conservatory and Berklee are arts-based, with the exception of Berklee’s “individualized minor in liberal arts.”
Therefore, students looking for a broader academic experience might want to explore other options.
As a college consultant specializing in music admissions, I always encourage students to carefully consider their long-term goals and personal preferences when choosing a school.
Boston Conservatory’s specialized focus can be incredibly valuable for the right student, but it’s essential to ensure that the program aligns with your artistic and academic aspirations.
