Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the New England Conservatory (NEC) stands as one of the world’s most prestigious music schools.
Its proximity to Symphony Hall, home of the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra, offers students a significant educational opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich musical culture of a historic city.
Founded by music school entrepreneur Robert Tourjee, NEC’s journey began in 1853, though it didn’t officially open until 1866 after Tourjee’s persistent efforts.
This makes it one of the nation’s oldest active music schools, with a legacy spanning over 150 years.
At the heart of NEC is Jordan Hall, a 1,000+ seat concert venue widely regarded as one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls.
Hosting over 650 student performances annually, it’s also the recording site for NPR’s popular young musician showcase, “From the Top.”
NEC boasts an impressive array of alumni, from percussionist Vic Firth, whose drumsticks are industry standard, to Cecil Taylor, a pioneering force in free jazz.
As someone who attended NEC’s pre-college program for music composition, and as a consultant who has several students attend, I can personally attest to the school’s positive impact on developing musicians.
Let’s dive into an overview of New England Conservatory, including its acceptance rate, ranking, and more.
New England Conservatory Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate into New England Conservatory is 43%, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
In the most recent cycle, 959 students applied, and 413 were accepted.
Some might see this number as being competitive, and others may think it is higher than they expected.
One thing to understand about this number is context.
Some studios at New England Conservatory are very selective. For example, the cello studios at NEC have a much smaller acceptance rate than this number, as hundreds of students apply for very few spots.
The other thing to know is that most students who apply to NEC are already extremely well-trained. They have years of 1-on-1 instruction, experience, and more.
It’s very challenging to get accepted without an advanced musical pedigree.
Facts about New England Conservatory
Here are some top-line facts & statistics about New England Conservatory.
Number of Students: 796
Number of Faculty: 423
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 2:1
Tuition: $58,910 (source)
Number of performances per year: 600 (source)
New England Conservatory Ranking
Most rankings tables place New England Conservatory among the top 15 music schools in the country.
I can’t stress enough that rankings are simply a starting point, and not to be considered the end-all for your college search.
That said, it can be helpful to see where major publications have ranked NEC.
Niche ranks it #11 for music schools in the US.
Careers in Music ranks it #3 of all US music colleges.
Hollywood Reporter ranks it #9.
NEC’s high ranking makes sense; it is one of the best schools for students in getting jobs in orchestra & chamber music performance.
How to Get Accepted to NEC
One tip for getting to know NEC better is participating in their pre-college program, especially if you live in the Boston area.
At NEC Prep, students can engage in jazz studies, chamber music ensembles, composition classes, and participate in a range of orchestras.
The Youth Philharmonia Orchestra (YPO), NEC’s top pre-college orchestra, is particularly selective and provides an exceptional opportunity for young instrumentalists to hone their skills among the region’s best high school players.
While participating in NEC’s pre-college programs doesn’t guarantee admission to the conservatory, it can significantly enhance a student’s musical training and provide valuable exposure to the school’s environment.
These programs offer a chance to work with NEC faculty and become familiar with the institution’s culture, potentially giving students an edge in the admissions process.
In addition to year-round programs, NEC hosts several summer intensives. The Conservatory Audition Workshop stands out as a week-long program designed to help students refine their audition skills for college music programs.
Outside of these options, scheduling trial lessons with NEC faculty members can be a strategic step.
These one-on-one interactions allow prospective students to receive feedback from potential future instructors and gain insights into the school’s teaching philosophy.
It’s important to note that NEC’s admissions process may differ from that of other institutions. While transcripts are required, factors such as grades and class rank typically carry less weight in the decision-making process compared to a student’s musical abilities and potential.
The emphasis is placed more heavily on auditions, musical background, interviews (for some programs), and demonstrated passion for the craft.
New England Conservatory Notable Alumni
Among NEC’s notable graduates is Coretta Scott King, who studied voice at NEC before becoming a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Her musical training undoubtedly influenced her later work, where she often used music as a tool for social change.
In the world of jazz, NEC has produced several influential figures. Cecil Taylor, a pioneering free jazz pianist, honed his craft at the conservatory before going on to challenge and redefine the boundaries of jazz music.
Similarly, Regina Carter, a virtuoso jazz violinist, began her musical journey at NEC, later becoming known for her innovative approach to the violin in jazz contexts.
Renowned conductor Herbert Blomstedt, known for his interpretations of German and Austrian composers, is an NEC alumnus and previous director of the San Francisco Symphony.
In the field of composition, NEC has produced talents like Alan Hovhaness, whose prolific output of over 500 works blended Western and Eastern musical traditions.
Florence Price, another notable composer and NEC graduate, was the first African-American woman to have a composition performed by a major American orchestra.
The school’s influence reaches into contemporary popular music as well.
Bernie Worrell, a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic and a key figure in the development of funk music, studied at NEC.
His innovative use of synthesizers helped shape the sound of popular music in the latter half of the 20th century.
Lastly, NEC’s impact on music education is exemplified by graduates like Vic Firth. While known to many as the founder of a prominent drumstick company, Firth was also a longtime timpanist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an influential percussion instructor.
These alumni represent just a fraction of the talent that has emerged from the New England Conservatory, demonstrating the school’s ability to nurture musicians across a wide spectrum of musical styles and career paths.
Faculty at New England Conservatory
Among the notable educators at NEC is Paul Katz, a cellist whose former students have placed into many of the world’s great orchestras.
As a former member of the Cleveland Quartet, Katz brings performance & pedagogical experience to his NEC students.
Michael Gandolfi is a prominent figure on the composition faculty. Gandolfi’s contemporary works have been performed by major orchestras across the United States, including the Boston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, and New World Symphony.
His presence at NEC offers students invaluable insights into the world of modern classical composition and orchestration.
The string department is further strengthened by Kim Kashkashian, a world-recognized violist and 2013 Grammy winner.
Kashkashian’s expertise spans both traditional repertoire and contemporary works, providing students with a broad perspective on viola performance and interpretation.
Jazz enthusiasts will recognize Ethan Iverson, former member of the innovative jazz trio The Bad Plus.
One of NEC’s greatest strengths is its close relationship with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Many faculty members hold positions within this world-class ensemble.
Blaise Déjardin, principal cellist of the BSO, exemplifies this connection. Other BSO members on the faculty include bass trombonist James Markey, flutist Cynthia Meyers, and bassoonist Suzanne Nelson, among many others.
It’s worth noting that this list represents only a small fraction of the exceptional faculty at NEC.
Is NEC the Right Fit for You?
Determining whether the New England Conservatory is the right fit for your musical journey is a crucial step in the college selection process.
NEC shines as an ideal destination for classical and jazz musicians who are committed to pursuing a performance career at the highest level.
For students who feel their musical interests don’t neatly fit into conventional categories, NEC’s Contemporary Musical Arts program offers a unique opportunity.
This program caters to musicians with diverse or unconventional backgrounds, allowing them to explore and develop their unique artistic voices.
NEC is particularly well-suited for students who have already undergone extensive one-on-one training. The majority of applicants come with a high level of proficiency in their instruments, creating a stimulating peer environment.
An intriguing aspect of NEC is its joint program with Harvard University.
While NEC itself focuses solely on music, a select group of students each year have the opportunity to pursue a dual degree through the NEC-Harvard program.
This allows these students to combine a top-tier musical education with a broader academic experience, offering the best of both worlds.
Another significant factor to consider is the conservatory’s location in downtown Boston.
For students who thrive in urban environments, NEC’s setting provides access to a rich cultural scene, numerous performance opportunities, and the vibrant atmosphere of a major city.
However, it’s important to note that NEC may not be the ideal fit for every music student.
Those seeking a traditional university experience with a broad range of non-music majors and activities might find the conservatory environment too specialized.
Additionally, students specifically interested in music technology as a major may want to look at other institutions that offer more comprehensive programs in this area.
As someone who has guided many students through the music school selection process, I always emphasize the importance of finding an institution that aligns with your specific goals and preferences.
NEC’s focused, performance-oriented approach can be incredibly rewarding for the right student, but it’s essential to carefully consider your long-term musical and personal objectives when making this decision.
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