The New England Conservatory of Music

The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), established in 1867, is the oldest independent conservatory in the United States, located in Boston's cultural district adjacent to Symphony Hall. The urban campus consists of several historic buildings in the Victorian and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, centered around the main Jordan Hall building, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark and renowned for its acoustic properties. NEC maintains highly selective admission standards and specializes in classical music performance, jazz studies, and contemporary improvisation, while also offering programs in music education and conducting. The conservatory provides on-campus housing in its residence hall and maintains active partnerships with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other premier musical institutions in the region. Students have access to more than 450 practice rooms and performance spaces, including the acclaimed Jordan Hall, which hosts hundreds of concerts annually.