New England Conservatory
About
New England Conservatory is a Boston music school founded by Eben Tourjée in 1867, making it the oldest independent conservatory in the United States. It trains performers and composers across classical music, jazz and contemporary improvisation, combining European tradition with American innovation, and its stated aim is to help students build multidimensional lives of artistic depth while amplifying musicians’ impact on shared humanity.
The campus sits in the Fenway area near Symphony Hall, and its centerpiece is Jordan Hall, a concert hall opened in 1903 and prized for its acoustics. NEC presents hundreds of free concerts each year by students and faculty, and its Preparatory School and adult programs serve younger musicians and adult learners. The conservatory also hosts outside events in its halls and spaces, which is why it appears among Boston’s special event venues.
What to Know
- Jordan Hall is a National Historic Landmark.
- NEC was the first conservatory to offer a fully accredited jazz degree program.
- Meet Boston lists it among the city’s unique event sites.
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