Private Instruction
Private lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are offered in all the categories listed under faculty, including music theory, composition, and conducting. Prospective students must set up an audition or placement interview with the department chair, who will advise each student personally regarding an appropriate studio teacher placement. For specific information regarding teacher placement, please contact the Preparatory School office by phone (617-585-1130).
Workshops and Recitals
The Preparatory School workshop/recital system offers students valuable performance experience and a wide range of viewpoints through direct feedback from various instructors. Students are recommended by their private teacher. Written reports made by another member of the faculty are available following the workshop. Each student should participate in at least one workshop per semester.
Preparatory student recitals are scheduled on Saturdays throughout the year. These are free and open to the public. Students are recommended for recital programs based on their performance in workshops. In addition to group recitals, students are encouraged to perform solo recitals. All performances must be approved by the teacher.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses provide students with opportunities to meet and perform for prominent artist/teachers. Recent guests have included cellists Laurence Lesser, Ralph Kirshbaum, Leslie Parnas, Colin Carr, and Orlando Cole; pianists Gilbert Kalish, Bruce Brubaker, Jerome Lowenthal, and Andras Schiff; singers Kathleen Kaun and Robert Honeysucker; violinists Eric Rosenblith and Zakhar Bron; violist Jeffrey Irvine; oboists Washington Barella and Wayne Rapier; flutist Sheryl Cohen; trumpeter Roger Voisin; and bassists Gary Karr, John Clayton, and Paul Ellison.
Evaluations
Performance evaluations take the place of the penultimate lesson of the second semester. The General Evaluations (GE) provide an assessment of progress and achievement by a panel of at least two faculty members other than the student’s own teacher. Playing Level Evaluations (PLE) are rigorous achievement levels required for the certificate program. Students should consult their studio teacher for appropriate technique and repertoire requirements. The evaluation is required.
Concerto Competition
A concerto competition, open to all ages and instruments, is held every year in November. Several prizes are awarded in each orchestral category, and the winner performs with one of the orchestras (YRO, YS, or YPO). Students are selected to participate by faculty recommendation. The student must have been taking full-time private lessons through the NEC Preparatory School for at least one academic year prior to the competition. Conductors may select additional competition prizewinners or orchestra members to perform as soloists. Download the application form here.