Walnut Hill Partnership with New England Conservatory
The excellent comprehensive training that Music students receive at Walnut Hill is enhanced by the School’s unique affiliation with New England Conservatory (NEC). This internationally acclaimed educational opportunity—linking a major conservatory and an independent secondary school—is the only one of its kind in the United States. The program brings students directly into the life of Boston’s professional music community, and allows them to study in a conservatory environment and also receive exceptional artistic and academic training at Walnut Hill from supportive, dedicated faculty.
About New England Conservatory
Recognized nationally and internationally as a leader among music schools, New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, offers rigorous musical training to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral music students from around the world. The oldest independent school of music in the United States, NEC was founded in 1867 by Eben Tourjée, and its curriculum is remarkable for its wide range of styles and rich traditions. The NEC faculty of 225 boasts internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. Its alumni go on to fill orchestra chairs, concert hall stages, jazz clubs, recording studios, and arts management positions worldwide.
Walnut Hill’s partnership with New England Conservatory enables Walnut Hill students to participate in large and small ensembles through New England Conservatory Preparatory School, performing in NEC’s Jordan Hall in Boston—a superb music venue. Students also enjoy special seminars and workshops through NEC, in addition to the courses and master classes they take on the Walnut Hill campus. Walnut Hill students travel to Boston each weekend to participate in their NEC rehearsals and seminars, immersing themselves in the Boston music community and enjoying valuable networking opportunities.
Students are also able to study with esteemed NEC faculty members. The Walnut Hill Music program seeks to match each student with an ideal teacher to encourage growth. Faculty members are drawn primarily from NEC—many of whom are members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Private instruction is the core of the Music curriculum, and each Classical Instrumental, Voice, and Composition student receives a weekly one-hour lesson with their teacher. Individual lessons are highly specialized, and content and form are based on the needs of the student.