Certificate Program
Through the Certificate Program, students are taught to achieve their optimum performance skills, competence in music theory, and a knowledge of the literature that includes choral, orchestral, and chamber, as well as solo reper- toire. The granting of a certificate acknowledges significant achievement in the full range of Preparatory School activities, under the instruction of at least three different faculty members. The general program and the range of faculty are sufficiently broad to accommodate students of varied outlook, proficiency, and professional intent. Entry level into the Certificate Program will be determined by instrumental audition and a music theory placement evaluation. To be eligible for the Certificate Program, a student’s instrumental study must be with a Preparatory School teacher, registered through the NEC program.
There are four levels of achievement in which students are evaluated yearly. While experience has shown that age is not a limiting factor, time is a crucial ingredient in the student’s developing maturity. Work at each traditional music certificate level normally requires two years of study. Eurhythmics and early musicianship classes lead to readiness for the theory classes.
Department chairs and the Director of the Preparatory School are available to advise students, monitor progress, and guide curriculum decisions. Students of special ability are encouraged to supplement their studies by participating in additional performance ensembles and in the elective courses offered as an enrichment of the program.. For specifics, go to Certificate Requirements.
Certificates/Awards Ceremony
At the close of each academic year, eligible students will be awarded their certificates in a joint ceremony with graduating seniors. Departmental and large ensemble awards are also presented to a number of outstanding seniors.
Named for the remarkable teacher and violinist who founded the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, this prestigious award is given to the most outstanding senior performers who have integrated their innate abili- ty and skills into an emerging musical personality. This honor presupposes the student’s thorough technical mastery, a capacity for independent endeavor, and the motivation and initiative that will lead to the achievement of creative dis- tinction. Recipients of this award have completed their Level IV certificates and have been recommended by the Faculty Council.
Certificate Requirements
All requirements for the Certificate Program at each of the four levels are outlined below. Exceptions and waivers must be requested in writing and may be granted only by the Faculty Council. The instrumental repertoire and technique requirements vary by level and department. Please consult with your studio teacher on specific pieces. Required grade on PLE to receive the certificate is a High Pass.
Traditional Music Studies | Jazz Studies | Vocal Studies
TRADTIONAL MUSIC STUDIES in Piano, Composition, and Orchestral Instruments
Level I—For Beginning Students
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements; composers must write one movement of sufficient scope
- Complete Music Theory I
Level II—For Intermediate Students
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements; composers must write two movements of sufficient scope
- Complete Music Theory II
- Complete 1 year of chorus
- Additional Departmental Requirements:
- Orchestral instruments: Complete 1 year of chamber ensemble or large ensemble
- Pianists: Complete 1 year of Piano Duo or Chamber Music, and 1 semester of Sightreading for Pianists
- Composers: Complete 1 year of Composition Seminar at Level II
Level III—For Lower Advanced Students
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements; composers must write an extended work for solo instrument or ensemble
- Complete Music Theory III (2 years)
- Present half or full recital program
- Complete one year of Fundamentals of Improvisation or The Western Musical Experience
- Additional Departmental Requirements:
- Orchestral instruments: Complete 1 year of large ensemble, and 1 year of intermediate level chamber ensemble (Percussion Ensemble for percussionists)
- Pianists: Complete 1 year each of Piano Duo and Chamber Music in Level III or Level IV, and 1 year of Young Pianist’s Seminar at Level III
- Composers: Complete 1 year of Composition Seminar at Level III
Level IV—For Upper Advanced Students
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements; composers must write an extended work for ensemble
- Complete Music Theory IV (2 years)
- Present full recital program
Note: 1 year of chorus must be completed in either Level III or IV - Additional Departmental Requirements:
- Orchestral instruments: Complete 1 year of large ensemble, and 1 year of chamber ensemble (Percussion Ensemble for percussionists)
- Pianists: Complete 1 year each of Piano Duo and Chamber Music in Level III or Level IV, and 1 year of Advanced Piano Seminar at Level IV
- Composers: Complete 1 year of Composition Seminar at Level IV
JAZZ STUDIES
Level I
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete Jazz Theory I
- Complete 1 year of small Jazz ensemble or Introduction to Jazz Ear Training
Level II
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete Jazz Theory II
- 1 year of small jazz ensemble
Level III
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete Jazz Style and Application
- Complete 1 semester of Jazz History
(may fulfill this requirement through placement exam) - Complete 1 year of small jazz ensemble
- Present half recital program
Level IV
- Meet instrumental repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete Jazz Style and Application
- Complete 1 year of small jazz ensemble
- Complete Jazz Theory III
- Complete Advanced Ear Training
- Present a full recital
VOCAL STUDIES
Level I
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete 1 year of piano instruction or proficiency placement (2 pieces of comparable difficulty to a song accompaniment)
- Complete Music Theory I
Level II
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
- Complete 1 year of chorus
- Complete Music Theory II
- Diction
Level III
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete 1 year of Early Vocal Training Program at Level III or IV
- Music Theory III-1
- Diction
- Vocal Chamber Music or Recital Workshop
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
Level IV
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements
- Complete 1 year of Early Vocal Training Program at Level III or IV
- Present half or full recital program
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
- Music Theory III-2
- Vocal Chamber Music or Recital Workshop