Student FAQ
What is Performance Outreach? What is the Community Performances and Partnerships Program?
In what kinds of places will Performance Outreach events take place?
Will I have to talk to the audience at a CPP event?
Do I need to be a member of an ensemble to participate?
Will I get paid for community performances?
How will I get there? Will my transportation costs be covered?
How will participation in this program help me with my career development?
Where can I go for more information?
What is Performance Outreach? What is the Community Performances and Partnerships Program?
Performance Outreach refers to performances for diverse audiences that take place in community settings. The primary purpose of these performances is the education and enrichment of the audience, along with an interaction between performer and listeners. The Community Performances and Partnerships Program (CPP Program) is the title of the program that has been created at NEC to link students with the greater Boston community.
In what kinds of places will Performance Outreach events take place?
Our community partners range from nursing homes, senior centers, homeless shelters and libraries to Boston Public Schools, YMCA Youth programs and Head Start preschool classrooms. Many performance outreach concerts take place in neighborhoods that are near NEC or easily accessible by public transportation.
You can be involved as little or as much as you like. This program is designed to be flexible and fit with your schedule and interests. Some students may want to be involved on a weekly or monthly basis; others may want to occasionally participate.
Students who are interested in a more intensive performance outreach experience may apply for one of the Performance Outreach Fellowship Programs (see “Fellowship Program” information sheet.) These fellowships require a commitment to a particular number/type of outreach performances, along with mandatory meetings, training sessions and evaluation.
Initially, you will need to fill out a Performance Outreach Student Information form. Once you have filled out this form, you may make an appointment to meet with the Performance Outreach Director in order to coordinate a plan for the year. The PO Director may also simply contact you if there is a particularly good “match” with an upcoming community event.
I have never participated in a Community Outreach performance before. Will I receive guidance and training?
No previous experience is necessary to participate in the CPP program. All performances in the CPP program are organized and guided through the Performance Outreach Department. The Director of Performance Outreach will work with you as needed to design an effective outreach program, and make you feel as comfortable as possible interacting with audiences of different ages in diverse settings. Workshops with guest educators and performing artists will also be held throughout the year.
Will I have to talk to the audience at a CPP event?
Yes! Talking to the audience is an integral part of most CPP events. The Director of Performance Outreach is available to help with public speaking skills as you prepare for your program.
I have a recital in two months and would like to run through my program around that time. How much advance notice do you need to set up a CPP event for me?
The more advanced planning the better; at a minimum, three weeks is usually needed. Please note that you will generally need to reduce your recital program to about 1 hour, and will be asked to introduce yourself and the music you will be playing.
Do I need to be a member of an ensemble to participate?
Both individuals and ensembles are welcome to participate in the CPP program.
Will I get paid for community performances?
Most performances offered through the CPP program are considered social service activities and are not paid. However, there are occasionally paid performances, especially in conjunction with some of our partnering concert series. Students who are interested in a more extensive outreach experience may apply for one of the Performance Outreach Fellowship programs mentioned above. Students who are accepted into these programs receive an honorarium for their participation.
How will I get there? Will my transportation costs be covered?
The Performance Outreach Department covers all transportation costs to performance sites that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Transportation by taxi, if needed, is to be arranged with the Director of Performance Outreach. Students with cars who travel outside a 20-mile radius of NEC for a Performance Outreach event will be reimbursed for mileage.
How will participation in this program help me with my career development?
In this day and age, the ability to communicate effectively with audiences and perform in diverse settings is an integral part of every career in the music field. Whether you go on to become a solo artist, an orchestral musician, a music teacher, or follow a career path outside of music, the experience of performing in your community will be both an asset to your career and personally enriching.
Where can I go for more information?
Visit the Performance Outreach office, Room 226 of the St. Botolph Building (next to the Career Services Center.) You can also call or e-mail Tanya Maggi, Director of Performance Outreach, at (617) 585-1243 or tmaggi@newenglandconservatory.edu.