Overview

New England Conservatory of Music students in Jazz Studies- Concentration in Performance program can choose to study with anyone from NEC’s roster of world-renowned artist-teachers. Faculty-coached small ensembles—from free and early jazz to gospel music and songwriting reflect NEC’s inclusive approach to music-making. Explore the jazz tradition and create the future of jazz music at NEC.

The rigorous and open-minded approach to improvisation and composition has been a constant since Jaki Byard and George Russell created the school’s groundbreaking curriculum. NEC continues to train the most talented young musicians in the broadest range of styles, while at the same time seeking ways to expand the jazz tradition through the development of students’ individual voices.

Key facts

The faculty features many of the most important jazz musicians working today: Jerry Bergonzi, Dominique Eade, Billy Hart, Ethan Iverson, Cecil McBee, Donny McCaslin, Jason Moran, Joe Morris, Nasheet Waits, Anna Webber, and many others.

But the real proof of NEC’s success in developing young jazz artists lies in the achievements of its graduates. Prominent alumni of NEC read like a who’s who of jazz: Darcy James Argue, Bruce Barth, jaimie branch, Don Byron, Regina Carter, Freddy Cole, Marilyn Crispell, Dave Douglas, Marty Ehrlich, Anton Fig, Ricky Ford, Satoko Fujii, Jo Lawry, Jerome Harris, Fred Hersch, Roger Kellaway, Mat Maneri, Harvey Mason, Andy McGhee, Bill McHenry, John Medeski, Antonio Sanchez, Ingrid Monson, Michael Moore, Rachael Price, Jamie Saft, George Schuller, Sara Serpa, Matthew Shipp, Luciana Souza, Chris Speed, Cecil Taylor, Dan Tepfer, Cuong Vu, Phil Wilson, Carmen Staaf, Bernie Worrell, and Rachel Z.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Jazz Keyboard Skills

World Music Rhythms for Non-Majors

Jazz Improvisation and Ear Training

Jazz Repertoire

Jazz Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 711 other Bachelors in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online Application, which will include submission of your prescreening recording (if required for your major or program)
All applicants must submit short essays (75-300 words each)
All applicants must submit an Artistic Resume into the online application.
unofficial transcripts
English proficiency documentation (if applicable),
All applicants must submit supporting letters of recommendation. NEC does not use a specific recommendation form; instead, recommenders should compose an original statement on the applicant's behalf.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Out-of-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Jazz Studies- Concentration in Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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