Academic Regulations and Information

Programs of Study

New England Conservatory awards Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees, as well as Undergraduate, Graduate, and Artist Diplomas, and Undergraduate and Graduate Performance Certificates.

Residency Policy

New England Conservatory requires students to register full time. Baccalaureate students must enroll for eight full-time semesters to qualify for the degree; Undergraduate Diploma students, for six. Master of Music and Graduate Diploma students must enroll for four full-time semesters. Undergraduate and Graduate Performance Certificate students must enroll for two full-time semesters. Doctoral students must be enrolled full-time for the first four semesters. During the third year, they may register part-time for two semesters or full-time for one semester. Students may not accelerate requirements to complete programs in fewer than the required number of full- time semesters (exceptions will be considered as appropriate for undergraduate transfer students). Master’s students must complete requirements within five years of matriculation. Doctoral students must complete requirements within seven years of matriculation.

PART-TIME STATUS
Part-time status is only granted after students have met their full-time residency requirement. Exceptions are occasionally made for students enrolled in programs of study that do not require ensemble or studio.

Presidential Scholars

The Presidential Scholar awards, NEC’s most prestigious scholarships, are given to students who exhibit exceptional ability and potential as performers. They are awarded at the President’s Convocation.

Dorothy Hinton Congleton Memorial Presidential Scholarship
Edward Hyde Cox Presidential Scholarship
Francis W. Hatch Presidential Scholarship
Helena Foundation Presidential Scholarship
Carol T. and Robert P. Henderson Presidential Scholarship
Emma V. Lambrose Presidential Scholarship
Laurence Lesser Presidential Scholarship
John Moriarty Presidential Scholarship
Charlotte F. Rabb Presidential Scholarship
Edward P. and Margaret Richardson Presidential Scholarship
Wendy Shattuck ’75 Presidential Scholarship in Vocal Studies
Abraham Skernick Memorial Presidential Scholarship
Helen Haxton Stare Presidential Scholarship in Voice
Irene M. Stare Presidential Scholarship in Violin
Joan and Henry Wheeler Presidential Scholarship
Donna Hieken Presidential Scholarship in Flute

Responsibility

Responsibility and authority for admitting, continuing, promoting, and graduating students is vested in the President, Deans, and Faculty Council. New England Conservatory reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or cancel the registration of any student whose acceptance or continued attendance is considered detrimental to the best interests of the student or the College.

Students are responsible for understanding this Academic Catalog, their degree program, and current academic regulations. The Conservatory reviews and revises its regulations annually; revisions become effective upon publication of the Academic Catalog. Graduation requirements are determined by degree programs described in the year students enter the Conservatory.

In addition, the information in this Academic Catalog is subject to change and amendment during the academic year. This includes without limitation amendments to particular course offerings, faculty assignments, programmatic offerings, requirements for certificate or degree programs, and timelines for completion of programs, certificates, or degrees. Such amendments, including program changes, may be made without prior notice in order to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements, as well as to ensure we best meet the needs of the entire NEC community. This Academic Catalog is issued for informational purposes only and is not a contract.

NEC complies with the Student Right to Know and Crime Awareness and Campus Security Acts.

Advising

The professional advising staff of the Office of Academic and Student Affairs provides academic counseling for students enrolled in the Undergraduate Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Undergraduate Performance Certificate, Master of Music, Graduate Diploma, Artist Diploma, and Graduate Performance Certificate programs. They help students select courses, meet educational and career goals, remedy academic difficulties, and better understand NEC’s purposes and policies. The Co-Chairs of the DMA program provide curricular advising for students in the Doctoral program.

Studio instructors and department chairs serve as informal academic and career advisors. In addition, the Community Engagement and Professional Studies Department provides resources for professional development to all NEC students and alumni.

Credit Loads and Enrollment Status

Generally, students are awarded one credit for each hour of class time. Exceptions are made for studio, ensemble, and a small number of classes (see Course Offerings and Faculty by Department for more information).

The number of credits determines enrollment status, which the Conservatory defines as full-time, part-time, half-time, or less than half-time. Students with permission to register for less than full-time loads are billed on a per-credit basis (see Tuition and Fees).

Definitions differ for each degree/diploma program:

	Full-time	Half-time	Part-time
Undergraduate Diploma	10-14	5-9	fewer than 5
Undergraduate Certificate	7-10	4-6	fewer than 4
Bachelor of Music	12-18	6-11	fewer than 6
Graduate Diploma	6-10	3-5	fewer than 3
Graduate Certificate	5-8	3-4	fewer than 3
Master of Music	9-14	5-8	fewer than 5
Doctor of Musical Arts	8-11	4-7	fewer than 4

All Artist Diploma students are full-time; their course load is four credits. They may take additional credits only with approval of the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. Since changes in enrollment status affect financial aid, students requesting permission to be less than full-time should consult the Financial Aid Office.

Academic Records

The Registrar’s Office issues official transcripts. A transcript is an official copy of the student’s academic record showing credit hours and grades of work completed in the college division of NEC. NEC cannot issue transcripts of work completed at any other school or institution.

Official transcripts may be sent to designated institutions or issued directly to students. There is a fee per transcript request; the first transcript is always free. (See Fees.) Transcripts may be ordered online through the National Student Clearinghouse, and delivered electronically or through the mail. Transcripts to be mailed may also be ordered using a paper form found on our website and submitted with payment to the Registrar’s Office. If a transcript is requested and the requestor has an outstanding financial hold at the Conservatory, the requestor will be notified and asked to resolve the hold.

Current students may view their unofficial transcripts in their student portal. Former students may only request official transcripts.

NEC recognizes students’ right to examine their educational records and control access by others in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974. The full text of NEC’s FERPA policy can be found on our website.

Registration

Registration at New England Conservatory is an agreement between the student and NEC to accept all rules and regulations set forth by the institution. Registration certifies enrollment in classes, ensembles, and studios; it also continues long-term advising about programs and careers. New students must provide the Registrar’s Office with proof of qualifying degrees to register. An official transcript which includes all applicable degrees conferred as well as their date of conferral constitutes such proof.
New students register during Orientation in fall and spring; continuing students register beginning in October and March (see Academic Calendar for specific dates).

Continuing students must meet with their academic advisor each semester before they register. Students register for all degree requirements, as outlined in their Program of Study (see sections on Undergraduate and Graduate programs of study for complete information). Those wishing to enroll in courses requiring an audition or instructor’s consent must obtain the instructor’s permission to do so.

Students who do not register during the prescribed registration period will be charged a late registration fee (see Fees). Students returning to active status may register during the registration period or in the first week of classes at no charge.

ADDING OR DROPPING CLASSES DURING TERM
Students may add or drop classes during the Add/Drop period (see Academic Calendar). Adding or dropping studio, ensemble, or chamber music requires written permission from the appropriate department. Dropped courses do not appear on transcripts.

WITHDRAWING FROM CLASSES DURING TERM
After the Add/Drop period ends, students may withdraw from classes by consulting with their academic advisor and completing the appropriate paperwork. Students who simply stop attending a course and do not complete the appropriate paperwork will have the grade of F recorded for the course in question. Students may not withdraw from promotionals, recitals, ensembles, studios, or chamber music, except by department consent and with approval of the academic advisor and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. No one may withdraw a course or courses during the final two weeks of the course or courses in question. Withdrawals are notated as W on transcripts.

Disability Support Services

The Conservatory seeks to ensure that students have equal opportunity and access to participate in all NEC activities, programs, and services. Disability Support Services within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs coordinates services for qualified students with disabilities. Services available through Disability Support Services can include, for example, housing accommodations and academic accommodations, such as extended time of exams, alternative forms of assessment, or classroom modification.

For more information on how to request accommodations and disability support services, please contact your academic advisor, visit with us in SB 224, or see further information on Disability Support Services on our website.

Attendance

NEC expects new students to arrive for the first day of orientation; continuing students, by the first day of class each semester. Students are responsible for knowing their course, studio, and ensemble attendance policies. Instructors are responsible for informing students about their attendance policies at the beginning of each course. Students are responsible for all material and information covered in classes missed. Students are expected to carefully consult individual course syllabi for course-specific attendance policies, as they may vary by class.

JURY DUTY
NEC recognizes that jury duty is an important obligation. Students who must miss class to fulfill jury service should notify their instructors at least one month prior to jury duty to make arrangements to complete missed work. Students who do not inform their instructors in advance may not receive accommodations to make up missed work.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
In accordance with Massachusetts law, NEC permits students to request an absence from class, examination, study, or work requirement because of their religious beliefs. Students who are approved for such a request shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which they may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon NEC. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because they have requested a leave for religious observance. Students who need to miss class due to religious observance should inform their faculty of the reason and date(s) for their absence at least two weeks prior to their first anticipated absence. Students and faculty should contact the Dean of Students & Campus Life with any questions.

ILLNESS, INJURY, HOSPITALIZATION
Students should report all absences that may have a significant impact on academic or performance standing to the appropriate class, studio or ensemble faculty, and/or department administrator. Any student with a significant illness, injury, or hospitalization requiring multiple absences should contact the Coordinator for Health and Wellness in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Appropriate documentation will be provided by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs to assist with requesting excused absences, including requests for accommodation through the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) and the Disability Support Services (DSS) when appropriate. Students requesting accommodations for a documented injury or illness should contact the Coordinator of Student Care & Support in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Note: The Coordinator for Health and Wellness will not provide excuse notes for routine illnesses or injuries that may lead to missed classes, rehearsals or performances. Absence from academic and performance activities, for whatever reason, does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the required course, studio, or ensemble work during the period of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for missed class work or other assignments in a timely fashion.

In cases where the health and safety of the community are at risk, the Dean of Students and Campus Life will advise students and faculty about appropriate precautions. The Dean of Students & Campus Life may consult with appropriate Conservatory administrators in facilitating such communication.

PROFESSIONAL TEMPORARY LEAVE
If a student anticipates absence from class, studio, and/or ensemble commitment for a professional obligation of fewer than 6 consecutive class days, the student should inform each faculty member in advance of such absence. It is the faculty member’s prerogative to decide whether such absence is excusable or not.

Students with professional obligations of 6 or more consecutive class days, must fill out the Professional Temporary Leave Form which is available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Again, it will be the prerogative of the student’s individual faculty to determine whether any such absences are or are not excusable and how missed work will be completed. In all cases, students bear responsibility for communicating with faculty and (if necessary) the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, in a clear and timely fashion. Students with a professional obligation that extends to 10 or more consecutive class days should consult with their advisor and studio teacher to explore options, including a leave of absence or changing their status to inactive.

EXCUSED ABSENCES
A student who is requesting an excused absence from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, should contact the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Among the reasons for an excused absence are: death or major illness of a student’s immediate family member or a dependent, participation in legal proceedings, participation in military duties, and absences related to pregnancy, hospitalization, and similar incidents of extenuating circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the faculty member to make arrangements for missed classes, class work or other assignments in a timely fashion. Decisions regarding what information will be shared with faculty by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising will be made in consultation with the student.

ENSEMBLES
Every NEC student assigned to an ensemble (large or small) is expected to be punctual, responsible, and prepared. Students are required to attend all rehearsals, be warmed up and seated 10 minutes before starting time for all rehearsals or 10 minutes before call time if you are not on the first piece.

Rehearsal schedules will be posted online and/or on a departmentally designated bulletin board, and attendance will be taken at all rehearsals.

Students who are experiencing a short-term, non-contagious illness not confining them to bed, or a minor injury, are still required to attend rehearsals. You should inform the ensemble manager of the circumstances. If the illness or injury prevents you from actively participating in the ensemble, then you should audit the rehearsal, either by sitting in your seat within the ensemble, or in a seat within the rehearsal hall close enough to hear the conductor. You should have your part(s) in hand and follow the rehearsal carefully, marking whatever issues are covered. No other coursework may be undertaken during this time, and no electronic devices may be used.

Any student seeking to be excused from a scheduled rehearsal and/or concert must submit a request to the appropriate ensemble manager prior to the deadline set by the department. If a student’s request to be excused from a rehearsal and/or concert is not approved, the student will be expected to be present for the rehearsal and/or concert. Each student is responsible for arranging their schedule to avoid any conflicts with ensemble rehearsals and performances.

Lateness, early exit, or absence due to conflicts with studio, including make-up lessons, will not be excused. Conservatory faculty are aware of this policy, and students are expected to work with their instructors to ensure that neither regular nor make-up lessons conflict with the student’s ensemble obligations. It is also important that students schedule their degree recitals and dress rehearsals such that no conflicts are created with any ensemble rehearsal or performance, as no excuse requests will be approved under these circumstances.

Students who have significant illnesses or injuries that interfere with their ability to meet their ensemble obligations are strongly encouraged to consult a clinician at the Tufts Center for Collegiate Wellness for treatment or referral to appropriate specialists. Students should also confer with their academic advisor about how it will impact their academic progress, or whether a medical leave of absence is an option.

When students must be absent from a rehearsal due to an emergency on the morning of the rehearsal they must notify the appropriate ensemble manager at least one hour before the rehearsal.

Any unexcused absence or lateness will reduce your grade and could result in a failure in course for the semester. Students must notify rehearsal managers within 10 days of the first day of classes for any conflicts with religious observances.

Student Classifications

Enrolled: A student who has been admitted to, has paid the tuition deposit for, and has registered in a program is enrolled.

Active: A student who is enrolled in, registered for, and attending scheduled activities is active. Students maintain active status by registering for the next semester.

Inactive: A student who does not register for one or more semesters, but who is eligible to return and intends to return to NEC, is inactive. Students failing to register during regular registration endanger their eligibility for financial aid and will be institutionally placed on inactive status at the end of that semester. Inactive students will be required to petition the Dean of Academic Affairs or their designee for a return to active status as set forth below.

Leave of Absence: A student who discontinues active enrollment for documented medical or approved non-medical reasons during a semester is, with permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs or their designee, on a leave of absence. Students who seek to return after leaves of absences and are eligible to return will be required to follow the process set forth in NEC’s Leave of Absence Policy, which is available on the Conservatory website at: https://necmusic.edu/student-leave-policies.

Withdrawn: A student who has not registered at, and does not intend to return to, NEC is withdrawn. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn by the Conservatory and later seek to return to NEC will be required to re-apply through the Admissions Office and must also be approved for re-admission at the discretion of the Dean of Academic Affairs. Previously earned course credits and grades may only be reapplied to the program with permission from the Dean of Academic Affairs. Students returning to active status may require retesting in Music Theory to determine whether previous credits still apply. Departments will grant studio credit based on audition.

Suspended: A student who is not allowed to continue at NEC for academic or disciplinary reasons is suspended.

Dismissed: A student whose enrollment is permanently cancelled is dismissed.

Leaving Active Status

Students who seek to leave active status by taking an approved Leave of Absence from NEC should review the Conservatory’s Leave of Absence Policy. The most recently updated Leave of Absence Policy is available through the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at: https://necmusic.edu/the-college/academic-and-student-affairs/student-leave-policies/.

For students leaving school between semesters, whether to go inactive or to withdraw, the effective date of the status change will be the last day of the semester completed. For a student leaving school during the semester, the effective date is the date set forth in the Leave of Absence Policy.

Students who decide to discontinue their studies or withdraw after registration must notify the Dean of Academic Affairs in writing before the first class day of the next semester. Failure to do so will result in an obligation to pay a portion of tuition and fees (see Refund and Tuition Responsibility Policy).

WITHDRAWAL
The Conservatory will administratively withdraw students who enroll in, or matriculate at, another institution, no matter what their previous status. Those wishing to withdraw from NEC should indicate their request in writing to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. For students who withdraw from school but do not notify the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, the effective date will be the last documented date of attendance at NEC.

SUSPENSION
Students may be suspended from their program for academic, performance, or disciplinary reasons. Suspended students wishing to return to the Conservatory must petition the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising for permission to do so. Students must provide documentation demonstrating their ability to successfully complete their program, as specified in their suspension letter. Petitions must be submitted by March 1 for the Fall semester, and October 1 for the Spring semester. The Assistant Dean, along with the Academic Review or Disciplinary Committee, will consider such requests in consultation with the department chair. If readmitted, suspended students will be subject to the Reactivation Fee (see Fees).

TRANSCRIPT RECORD FOR STUDENTS LEAVING ACTIVE STATUS
Students who leave active status after the Add/Drop period, for whatever reason, will receive the notation W (Withdrawn) for all courses on their transcripts.
Those who have completed at least 12 weeks of the semester may petition the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising for final grades or incompletes in classes or studios.

English Language Requirements

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

New England Conservatory requires international students, or those whose first language is not English, to demonstrate their readiness to pursue programs of higher education in English. All scores referenced below are based on the Internet Based Testing scores. Undergraduate students must document scores of 61 or better in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Graduate students must document scores of 79 or better in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with scores below 61 will be required to enroll in NEC’s summer intensive ESL Program prior to starting their degree program at the Conservatory. Following completion of the summer ESL course, students will be given NEC’s English proficiency exam and will be placed in the appropriate ESL level.

Undergraduate students admitted with scores of 61 or higher will be placed in ESL study according to the following:

Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 61-69 will begin with ESL I
Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 70-75 will begin with ESL II
Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 76-81 will begin with ESL III
Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 82-87 will begin with ESL IV
Undergraduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores of 88 or higher are exempt from ESL requirements.

At any time during ESL study at NEC, a student may choose to take the official TOEFL wherever and whenever it is administered. On submitting an official score of 88 or higher, the student will not be required to register in future ESL classes at NEC.

English Requirements for Undergraduate Courses and Academic Departments
Before taking any Liberal Arts courses, a student whose native language is not English must submit: 1) a TOEFL score of 88 or higher, or 2) a passing grade in ESL IV. LARTS 111a is a pre-requisite for MHST 111a, and both of these courses are pre-requisites for other courses in their respective departments.

Credits
Undergraduate students may apply ESL credits toward certain degree or diploma requirements.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Graduate students admitted to NEC with scores below 79 will be required to enroll in NEC’s intensive summer ESL Certificate Program prior to starting their degree program at the Conservatory. Following completion of the summer ESL course, students will be given NEC’s English proficiency exam and will be placed in the appropriate ESL level.

Graduate students admitted with scores of 79 or higher will be placed in ESL study according to the following:

Graduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 79-81 will be placed in ESL III.
Graduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores between 82-87 will be placed in ESL IV.
Graduate students admitted to NEC with TOEFL scores of 88 or higher are exempt from ESL requirements.

English Requirements for Graduate Courses and Academic Departments
Before taking any credited graduate Musicology course, a student whose native language is not English must submit: 1) a TOEFL score of 88 or higher, or 2) a passing grade in ESL IV.

Credits
Graduate students earn zero credit for ESL courses.
Students who have completed a full-time, 4-year degree program at an English-speaking college/university may request an exemption from the TOEFL requirement by writing to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising.

DOCTORAL STUDENTS

Doctoral students must meet high standards for written English in their entrance examination.

Student Class Year

The combination of earned credits and successfully completed promotionals determines students’ class years.

PROGRAM	CREDITS	PROMOTIONAL PASSED
Bachelor of Music
U1	0-27	NA
U2	28-57	1st to 2nd year
U3	58-87	2nd to 3rd year
U4	88+
NEC/Tufts Degree
T1	NA	NA
T2	NA	1st to 2nd year
T3	NA	2nd to 3rd year
T4	NA	3rd to 4th year
T5	NA	NA
Undergraduate Diploma
D1	0-23	NA
D2	24-47	1st to 2nd year
D3	48+	2nd to 3rd year
Master of Music
G1	0-17	NA
G2	18+	1st to 2nd year
Graduate Diploma
P1	0-13	NA
P2	14+	1st to 2nd year

* For most majors, advancing from one year to the next includes passing a promotional evaluation.

Transfer Credit

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Auditions determine students’ studio level and ensemble requirement. Placement exams and evaluation of transcripts decide class year and the number of semesters required to complete the program. When there is a discrepancy between studio level and academic level, transfer students may be required to accept either a lower studio level or a lower academic level. International students may transfer credit if they have met NEC’s English language requirement. Transfer credit grades are not calculated in cumulative grade point averages.

NEC awards transfer credit to students previously enrolled in degree programs at other institutions after approval from their academic advisor, as agreed in writing. To apply for transfer credit, students must provide course descriptions and official transcripts. NEC will not accept Pass/Fail credits. Students who have attended foreign institutions must provide official transcripts with any necessary translations, as well as explanations of grades, class hours, and course descriptions.

Students may transfer no more than 60 credits toward the Bachelor of Music or 36 credits toward the Undergraduate Diploma. Transfer credit is not accepted for the Undergraduate Performance Certificate. Enrolled students who wish to substitute transfer credit for required classes must have approval from the academic advisor and department chair. Credits awarded during previous enrollment at NEC or another institution more than 10 years prior to the request for credit transfer will be considered, but only under extraordinary circumstances (via petition to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising and the relevant department chair(s)). Students transferring into the Conservatory should expect to lose credits.

Prior to matriculation
Credit transfers to NEC’s undergraduate programs as follows:

Studio credits transfer according to audition placement.
Ensemble credits transfer according to students’ studio status. For example, transfers admitted to second-year studio will receive a maximum of 2 ensemble credits.
Chamber music credits must be fulfilled at NEC; violin, viola, and cello majors admitted to third-year studio, however, may receive up to 2 credits.
Music Theory credits transfer with grades of C or better after NEC placement testing, which must be completed prior to enrolling in NEC courses.
Music History credits transfer with grades of C or better, provided that the work compares to NEC courses, as determined by the department.
Liberal Arts credits transfer with grades of C or better. The Liberal Arts department chair must approve substitutes for the Liberal Arts Seminar (LARTS 111a).
Elective credits transfer toward elective requirements with grades of C or better.

After matriculation
Students may transfer from 6 to 16 credits, with grades of C or better (B- or better for writing courses) as follows:

Students may transfer up to 6 credits for classes that do not duplicate NEC requirements. Students wishing to substitute transfer courses for departmental requirements need advance approval from their academic advisor and the department chair.
Additionally, students may transfer credits equal to those lost from failed or withdrawn courses, up to a limit of 12. In most cases, such credits count as electives. Students must obtain advance approval from the academic advisor and department chair. Students who transfer credits to compensate for those lost from failed or withdrawn courses cannot exceed the overall maximum of 16 credits.
Credits earned via the Cross-Registration program while a student at NEC count toward the 16 credit limit (see Cross-Registration).

Undergraduates who change programs before graduation (bachelor’s to diploma or diploma to bachelor’s) may transfer all credits earned at NEC. All grades will figure in the cumulative grade point average for the new program. Those who transfer credit after matriculation may not use such credits to accelerate in their program (see Residency Policy).

GRADUATE STUDENTS
Master’s students may transfer up to 4 graduate credits (earned with grades of B or better in musical disciplines at other institutions) as electives in courses that do not duplicate NEC offerings. Graduate students may not use transfer credits to complete programs in fewer than the required minimum number of full-time semesters. The Conservatory does not transfer studio, ensemble, or chamber music credits. Enrolled students who take courses elsewhere must obtain advance approval from the appropriate academic advisor and department chair. Graduate Diploma students must petition their academic advisor for transfer credit. Transfer credit grades are not calculated in cumulative grade point averages. Credits awarded during previous enrollment at NEC or another institution more than 10 years prior to the request for credit transfer will be considered, but only under extraordinary circumstances (via petition to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising and the relevant department chair(s)).

Graduate students who change programs (from MM to GD or GD to MM) may transfer all NEC credits with grades of B or better to the new program, with approval of the academic advisor and department chair. Grades will figure in the cumulative grade point average of the new program.

The Co-Chairs of the DMA program review requests to transfer credit from other doctoral programs. If the request is granted, students may transfer up to a maximum of 4 credits of doctoral-level coursework with a grade of B or better, or its equivalent. Doctoral students may not transfer studio, ensemble, or chamber music credits, nor credits for courses that replace required doctoral seminars. DMA students may not use transfer credits to complete programs in fewer than the required minimum number of full-time semesters.

Transfer credit will not be accepted for the Graduate Performance Certificate. Transfer Credit will not be denied solely on the basis of an institution’s accreditation.

Credit by Examination

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Undergraduate students may receive up to 6 credits in addition to transfer credits toward the Bachelor’s degree through the Advanced Placement (AP), provided they do not take courses covering the same material. NEC accepts AP scores of 4-5 to transfer in as general education or elective credit and awards 2 credits per qualifying exam. AP Music Theory will not be accepted for transfer credit.

COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
With prior approval from the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising or the academic advisor, undergraduate students may transfer up to 4 credits earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams; if they fall behind in their degree program, they may transfer up to 12 such credits (see Transfer Credit). NEC accepts CLEP scores of 65% and higher and awards 2 credits per test.

INTERNATIONAL EXAMS
The Conservatory awards approximately one year of undergraduate Liberal Arts and elective credit to students who have earned the International Baccalaureate. NEC also awards undergraduate Liberal Arts and elective credit to students for A-level exams.

Auditing Classes

Only full-time degree or diploma students are eligible to register to audit certain NEC courses that are not required in their degree programs. Studio, chamber music, and ensembles may not be audited.

Audits are approved on a space-available basis, with permission of the instructor, the student’s academic advisor and, in some cases, the department chair of the course in question. As a rule, students auditing courses are not required to sit for final exams or submit final projects. In some cases, course instructors may accept and correct other written work from the auditor. Before the audit is approved, each student must reach an agreement with the course instructor regarding attendance or other expectations.

Eligible students may audit one course per semester at no charge. Students wishing to audit more than one course in a semester are required to pay an audit fee per course in excess of the one non-charged course (see Fees). Students may register for the audited course during the last two days of the add/drop period each semester.

A record of audited courses will appear on the transcript. Once the student has successfully met attendance and other expectations as agreed upon with the instructor, the notation AUD will appear; failing to meet these criteria will result in dropping all record of the course from the transcript.

Students do not receive credit for audited courses, nor are they allowed to convert the audited course to credit after the completion of the add/drop period for that semester. Students may not repeat a course that they have previously audited unless the course is considered repeatable for credit as defined by the NEC Academic Catalog and curriculum.

Special Students

Special students are non-matriculated students taking courses for credit. Application and registration takes place at the beginning of each semester through the Registrar’s Office. Special students are accepted into classes only with the instructor’s permission and as space permits; those registering for studio may be required to enroll in ensemble. No degree or diploma is awarded to special students; however, they may petition to apply credits to subsequent programs. Studio credit will not be applied.

Grading System

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIO AND COURSEWORK

Grade	Quality Points
A	4.00
A-	3.67
B+	3.33
B	3.00
B-	2.67
C+	2.33
C	2.00
C-	1.67
D	1.00
F	0.00
W (Withdrawn)	0.00
INC (Incopmlete)	0.00
WA (Withdrawal, Administrative)	0.00

GRADUATE STUDIO AND COURSEWORK

Grade	Quality Points
A	4.00
A-	3.67
B+	3.33
B	3.00
B-	2.67*
C	2.00
F	0
W (Withdrawn)	0.00
INC (Incomplete)	0.00
WA (Withdrawal, Administrative)	0.00

* Doctoral students must receive a grade of B- or higher for a course to count toward completion of degree requirements.

ENSEMBLE AND CHAMBER MUSIC

Grade
P+	Pass with honors
P	Pass
P-	Pass with reservations
F*	Fail
WA	Withdrawal, Administrative

PROMOTIONAL, THESIS, AND RECITAL

Grade
P	Pass
IP	In Progress
IPD	In Progress, Deferred
U	Unsatisfactory
WA	Withdrawal

The notation ND (Non-Degree) signifies that neither the grade nor the credit applies to the student’s program. For recitals, only grades of P appear on transcripts. For promotionals:

A grade of P indicates a student has achieved the level of performance required for promotion.
A grade of IP indicates a student has performed the promotional, and the work is not unsatisfactory, but the decision to promote is not unanimous, and the student therefore requires a rehearing at a later date.
A grade of IPD indicates that a student has been approved for a deferral of the promotional for one semester. This grade appears on grade reports but will not appear on official transcripts.
A grade of U indicates a student has not achieved the level of performance required for promotion or has failed to appear at a scheduled promotional.

COURSE CREDIT
One credit generally equals 14 hours of class instruction per semester; exceptions include studio and ensemble.

GRADE POINT AVERAGES
Each semester the Registrar’s Office calculates grade point averages (GPAs) for students by multiplying the credits for courses by the quality points for the grades in every course, then dividing by the total number of credits completed. Grades of P+, P, P-, F* (Ensemble and Intensive English only), INC, IP, IPD, W, WA, or U do not compute as part of the GPA. When an INC is replaced by a letter grade, the GPA is recalculated. The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is the sum of all quality points divided by the sum of NEC averaging credits.

GRADE CHANGES
The Registrar and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising approve grade changes to correct errors in calculation or recording. The instructor submits requests for such changes to the Registrar, using the Change of Grade form. Students who wish to appeal grades for reasons other than an error in calculation or recording must do so using the Grade Appeal process.

REPEATED COURSES
Except in specified cases, students may not earn academic credit twice for the same course. They may, however, retake a course for a higher grade. In that event, both grades will appear on the transcript; only the higher grade is calculated in the CGPA. Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, students may not repeat any class(es) among Conservatory programs that they would not be eligible to repeat within a single program.

Incompletes

Students unable to complete course requirements as a result of illness, bereavement, or special circumstances may petition for Incompletes; both the instructor and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising must approve this petition. Students assume primary responsibility for managing this process, which begins by requesting the Petition for a Grade of Incomplete from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. The transcript will temporarily note an INC (for Incomplete). Students who receive Incompletes in classes must complete all work no later than two weeks after the first day of the following semester of attendance; otherwise, a failing grade will be administered by the Registrar.

Disciplinary Action

New England Conservatory is dedicated to fostering a community that is built on mutual respect and the correlation of rights and responsibilities. In order to fulfill this purpose, a Disciplinary Code is necessary. The Code reflects the values of our community. It also defines clear behavioral expectations that help to ensure an orderly educational environment and encourage free inquiry and expression. All NEC students are required to follow all Conservatory rules, regulations, or policies as found in, but not limited to, the Disciplinary Code, Student Handbook, Residence Hall Agreements, Conservatory policies on the NEC website, and the Academic Catalog.

For a full description of the NEC Disciplinary Codes and Procedures including possible student sanctions, please see the Student Handbook.

Studio Policies

Studio instruction is at the core of the Conservatory education. Students enrolled in 3-5* credits of studio can expect 14 scheduled one-hour private lessons each semester. Scheduling for these lessons is the responsibility of the student and instructor. Students must petition faculty for a make-up lesson at least 24 hours prior to missing a scheduled lesson. Consideration will be given to documented emergency circumstances. Please note that faculty may ask their students to apply their studio lessons in on- and/or off-campus opportunities, such as performances, composing or supervised teaching.

STUDIO AS ELECTIVE CREDIT
Students may take up to 8 studio credits in the bachelor’s program, or 4 in the master’s, to fulfill elective requirements. Graduate Musicology majors may not exceed their studio credit requirement to fulfill electives. Students registering for more than four studio credits in a semester will be charged full tuition, plus the part-time tuition rate for studio beyond 4 credits.

BEYOND-DEGREE STUDIO
Students who complete all studio requirements, yet remain enrolled in their program, may register for beyond-degree studio. The Conservatory awards grades, but not credit, for beyond-degree studio. String majors who register for beyond-degree studio must also enroll in ensemble.

STUDIO INSTRUCTOR CHANGE PETITION
Students who wish to consider changing studio instructors should begin by consulting their department chair; those studying with the chair should meet with the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. The procedure requires careful advising and needs the approval of the student’s current and proposed instructor, department chair, and the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. Petitions for change of studio instructors should be completed prior to the beginning of the semester; they must be filed by the end of the add/drop period.

CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING
Undergraduate international students who have been in F-1 visa status for at least nine months may apply for permission to work in the fields of performance, composition, or supervised music teaching as a part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Graduate students may be eligible to apply for CPT immediately upon matriculation. Each employment opportunity must be integral to the studio instruction, and must be approved by the studio instructor. Complete regulations and instructions for CPT are available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

* Most students enroll in 4 credits of studio per semester. As of 2024-25, all undergraduate students enroll in 4 credits of studio per semester. Master's voice majors enroll in 3 credits of studio. Undergraduate voice majors other than those in their first year of study in 2024-25 enroll in 3 credits of studio per semester. Undergraduate piano majors other than those in their their first year of study in 2024-25 enroll in 5 credits of studio per semester.

Change of Program or Major

Students who wish to change their program or major should consult their studio instructor, academic advisor, admissions office, and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. They may change programs only with written approval from their studio instructor, department chair, academic advisor, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. DMA students must also obtain written permission from the DMA Committee. Requests for change of program or major must be completed before the beginning of the semester in which the change will go into effect. Students who wish to change majors will need to apply and audition for the new intended major (with the exceptions of Music History and Music Theory), and financial aid awards may be subject to change.

Promotionals and Graduation Recitals

PROMOTIONALS
Promotionals are departmental evaluations in students’ major area of study; they usually take place after two semesters of studio enrollment. Students perform for their department faculty or present work for faculty review. Those who pass their promotional are eligible to move up by class year; those who fail are placed on Probation. Candidates for the Graduate Diploma give half or full recitals for promotionals (see Department Requirements); those in the doctoral program are not required to give promotionals.

Students may neither drop nor withdraw from promotionals; under exceptional circumstances, though, they may petition the department chair and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising to have them deferred, using the Promotional Deferral form. Generally speaking, promotionals may only be deferred for one semester. In extremely rare cases, students seeking a second deferral may petition their studio teacher, department chair, and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, at which time the student’s request will be reviewed and considered. Students granted a second deferral will either give the promotional during the semester of enrollment following the second deferral period or fail the promotional. When a deferred promotional request is approved, students drop the promotional and add it for the next semester. A grade of IPD appears on the grade report, but no grade appears on the transcript.

GRADUATION RECITALS
Most Conservatory programs require graduation recitals (see Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Study). In addition, some departments require a student to pass a pre-recital before giving the recital. Pre-recitals, if required, must occur in the same semester as the recital; a new pre-recital must be performed if the recital is postponed. Students may perform their graduation recitals at any time up to one week before Commencement. Those wishing to give recitals off campus need prior approval from their department chair; they must submit recital recordings. For DMA recital requirements, see Doctor of Musical Arts or the DMA Handbook.

Independent Study

Independent study provides an opportunity to explore areas of special interest. Students work individually with teachers to research topics. A minimum of seven one-hour meetings for 1 credit and 14 one-hour meetings for 2 credits is required; fewer meeting times than these must be pre-approved by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Independent study topics may not duplicate other Conservatory courses. Independent study is not permitted in studio, ensemble, or chamber music. Independent Study petitions must be completed and approved no later than last day of classes in the preceding semester. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should first speak with a faculty member regarding their interest. After that faculty member has given provisional consent to supervise the independent study, the student should complete the Permission to Pursue an Independent Study form available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

UNDERGRADUATE
Students in the Bachelor’s program may petition to earn 1 or 2 credits for each faculty-directed Independent Study (up to a limit of 3 credits); those in the Undergraduate Diploma program may request Independent Study only in music-related subjects. Independent Study credit applies to free elective requirements. Credit may only be applied to other areas with approval of the department chair of the specific area in question.

To qualify, an undergraduate must have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and must submit an independent study petition to the instructor, department chair, academic advisor, and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising.

GRADUATE
Graduate students may petition to apply independent study credit only toward elective requirements (up to a limit of 4 credits).

To qualify, a graduate student must have a minimum CGPA of 3.70 and must submit an independent study petition to the instructor, department chair, academic advisor, and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising.

Music History and Music Theory Requirements for MM Students

As part of their degree requirements, Master’s Candidates must pass the Music History and Music Theory Competency Examinations. All incoming MM students have two opportunities to take these exams prior to their first semester of enrollment. Students who do not pass, or who do not attempt, one or both exams prior to their first semester of enrollment are required to enroll in and pass the one-semester review courses designed to cover the materials of the corresponding exam or exams that were not passed. Once students enroll in one or more of the review courses, they are no longer eligible to re-attempt the corresponding exam. Thus, if a student enrolls in one or more of the review classes in their first semester of study and does not pass it, their only path towards clearing this requirement is to attempt the appropriate review class(es) again. Descriptions of the exams and their corresponding courses are found below.

MUSIC HISTORY COMPETENCY EXAMINATION
The Graduate Music History Examination (GMHE) is designed to test basic music history competency on the level of an Undergraduate Music History Survey course. A complete description of the exam is posted on the NEC website, and information will be shared with students prior to their first semester of enrollment. The corresponding review course for the GMHE is MHST 081 (Graduate Survey of Western Music History).

Exam Format

The exam will be a computer-based test comprising multiple-choice questions.
Students will have 90 minutes to complete the test.
Students must score 60% or better in order to pass.
Students may choose between two tests:
- Test A: classical repertoire 80%, jazz/world music 20%
- Test B: jazz/world music 70%, classical repertoire 30%
Both tests will have questions from the following seven categories of repertoire: five from the western classical tradition (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, 19th century, 20th century) and two categories from outside of the western classical tradition (jazz and world music). The difference between the tests is just in the way that these categories are proportioned; Test A focuses more on the classical music repertoire and Test B on jazz and world music.
Students are free to choose which test they want to take irrespective of their major.
Students may take only one of the offered tests (Test A or Test B).

MUSIC THEORY COMPETENCY EXAMINATION
The Master’s Music Theory Competency Examination (MMTCE) tests students’ skills in part-writing, formal and harmonic analysis, as well as melodic and harmonic ear-training. A complete description of the exam is posted on the NEC website and will be shared with students prior to their first semester of enrollment. Students must pass all sections of the exam before they may enroll in credited Music Theory classes. Students who do not pass the part-writing, formal and harmonic analysis portion of the exam are required to pass Principles of Harmony and Form (THYG 082, sub-type LEC); those who do not pass the melodic and ear-training portions of the exam are required to pass Principles of Harmony and Form—Ear Training (THYG 082, sub-type LAB); those who pass tonal but do not pass post-tonal analysis may take a post-tonal theory elective course to complete the requirement.

Cross-Registration

Undergraduate students may enroll in classes taught at Tufts University (undergraduate level only excluding the School of the Museum of Fine Arts through Tufts) and the ProArts Consortium schools--Berklee College (including Boston Conservatory at Berklee), Boston Architectural College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Art & Design, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts—applying such credits to their programs.

To be eligible, students must be at least in their second year of enrollment at
New England Conservatory. In addition, students whose native language is not English and who wish to cross-register must have:

achieved an iBT TOEFL score (or its equivalent) of 76,
successfully completed ESL II, or
passed the NEC Test of English Proficiency

Students cross-register for no more than one course per semester, regardless of credits; a total of 12 credits may be earned through cross-registration across all cross-registration opportunities and credits earned via cross-registration count against overall allowable transfer credit (see Transfer Credit).

Courses taken through cross-registration may not duplicate NEC offerings; in addition, students may not pursue studio, ensemble or coaching through cross-registration. Students who wish to cross-register must first receive permission from NEC’s Registrar and from their academic advisor, as well as the Registrar at the selected school. Cross-registration is not available for graduate students. In addition, students wishing to take a course to fulfill NEC Liberal Arts,* Music History, or Music Theory elective requirements must also obtain approval from the chair of the corresponding instructional department.

Students who register for cross-registration through NEC but do not matriculate into a class at the second institution must either drop or withdraw from the NEC cross-registration indicated on their course listing for the semester; they must also drop or withdraw from the course at the second institution through that school’s Registrar’s office. Students who fail to do so prior to the deadline for withdrawing from classes will receive a WA on their NEC transcript for the cross-registration course and will lose cross-registration privileges.

* Students wishing to fulfill their Liberal Arts elective credit requirements by taking courses outside the disciplines of literature, history, philosophy, politics, cultural studies, social sciences, environmental studies, film, and creative arts may do so without prior approval of the chair of the Liberal Arts department.

Undergraduate Minors and Concentrations

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree may apply to pursue a minor in Liberal Arts or in Music Theory or a concentration in Music Technology or Teaching Artistry and Music Education. See the section on Undergraduate Minors and Concentrations under Programs of Study for more information.

DECLARING THE MINOR OR CONCENTRATION
Students who wish to pursue a minor or concentration must be in good academic standing as defined within the Academic Catalog. They should speak with their academic advisor and the relevant department chair/concentration director to discuss their proposed course of study and the requirements of the minor or concentration.

Students who decide to apply for a minor or concentration must complete the Approval to Pursue an Undergraduate Minor or Concentration form, available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. The form requires the approval signatures of the minor department chair or concentration director, the faculty minor advisor (see below), the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, and the academic advisor. The form also requires the acknowledgment of the student’s studio instructor (or, for Jazz and CMA majors, the department chair).

Liberal Arts Minor
Students may declare the minor after successful completion of the LARTS 111a—i.e., as early as January of freshman year—but not later than the end of junior year.

Music Theory Minor
Students may declare the minor after successful completion of the Music Theory core curriculum as stated in the Academic Catalog for the student’s major. Students are strongly encouraged to declare the Music Theory minor no later than the end of sophomore year. A student submits the list of four music theory electives, a brief description of their main interest in music theory, and a topic for a Capstone Project approved by the faculty advisor and Chair.

Music Technology Concentration
Students may declare the concentration after successful completion of any prerequisites for the courses they wish to pursue for the concentration, which must be selected from a list of approved courses. Students are strongly encouraged to declare the concentration no later than the end of sophomore year.

Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration
Undergraduate students must declare the concentration no later than registration for the first semester of third year.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AND STANDING

Students on academic probation may not declare or remain in the minor or concentration Students must maintain a GPA of 3.33 (B+) for courses in the minor or concentration. Students who fall below the stated GPA will be placed on probation within the minor or concentration for one semester. If the student does not meet the academic standing requirements for the minor or concentration after the semester of probation, they will be required to un-declare the minor or concentration.

CREDITS

Liberal Arts Minor
The Liberal Arts minor consists of 14 credits—12 in coursework and 2 for the Capstone Project.

Music Theory Minor
The Music Theory minor consists of 10 credits. The distribution between coursework and the Capstone Project is dependent upon the track of study selected. (Please see Undergraduate Programs of Study for more information). Students pursuing the Research in Music Theory track will incur an additional tuition charge for the two semesters of half-time studio instruction (4 credits).

Music Technology Concentration
The Music Technology concentration consists of 8 credits—6 in coursework from a list of approved courses and 2 for the Capstone project.

Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration
The Teaching Artistry and Music Education concentration consists of 5 credits; 4 credits of coursework from an approved list (including a 2-credit, required foundational course) and 1 credit for a capstone project. The concentration also requires additional (non-credit bearing) fellowships and workshops.

MINOR OR CONCENTRATION ADVISOR
At the time of declaration of a minor the student will select a faculty member from the minor department as a minor advisor. At the time of declaration of the Music Technology concentration, the student will propose an advisor to the concentration program director, based upon the student’s area of interest and focus of study in the concentration. The minor or concentration advisor provides guidance and mentoring throughout the minor or concentration, beginning with assisting the student in designing their proposed course of study in the minor or concentration.

Liberal Arts Minor
Students will meet with their Liberal Arts minor advisor three times per semester leading up to the Capstone semester. For each session, the student and the minor advisor will complete a benchmarking checklist that will allow both the student and the minor advisor to measure progress toward completion of the minor. If sufficient progress is not being made, the minor advisor will recommend that the student un-declare the minor.

Sophomore Year
Course coordination (each semester)
Student reflections on the minor and connections between courses (submitted each semester)

Junior Year
Course coordination (each semester)
Submission of ideas for the Capstone Project (by the end of the spring semester)

Senior Year
A Capstone Project proposal will be due on the first day of classes of the fall semester
Presentation of the Capstone Project will take place during the senior year, in either the fall or spring semester.

Music Theory Minor
Students will meet with their Music Theory minor advisor and the department chair during the pre-registration period each semester for guidance on course selection within the minor. The student and the minor advisor will meet periodically in the semesters leading up to the Capstone semester to ensure appropriate course coordination, progress toward completion of the minor, and preparation for the Capstone Project. If sufficient progress is not being made, the minor advisor will recommend that the student un-declare the minor.

Music Technology Concentration
Students pursuing a concentration in Music Technology will spend a semester working with a chosen faculty advisor to create a directed study plan leading to the realization of a technology-based semester project aligning with the student’s area(s) of interest.

Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration
Upon declaring the concentration, students will meet with a member of the CEPS staff to assist in designing their proposed course of study, including selection of courses, fellowship planning, and initial ideas for a capstone project. Continued advising with CEPS staff on progress through the concentration will be available on an as needed basis.

When students begin their capstone project (during the last or penultimate semester of their degree) they will work with CEPS staff to select a capstone advisor who will help guide the completion of the project. During the semester of the capstone project, the student registers for a course that includes an expected seven hours of advising with their selected advisor.

UN-DECLARING THE MINOR OR CONCENTRATION
A student may un-declare the minor or concentration, in writing to their minor or concentration and academic advisors, at any time. It is the obligation of the student's academic advisor to inform the registrar of the student's decision to un-declare the minor or concentration.

Bachelor of Music Double-Majors

Bachelor’s Degree candidates who wish to apply for a double major, combining performance with Music History or Music Theory, may do so at the end of their second year. Those wishing to combine two performance areas (or a performance area and composition) may apply to do so at the end of their first year. Except in the case of students wishing to add the double-major in Music History or Music Theory, students wishing to pursue double-majors must apply through Admissions. Students admitted to the double major must be in residence for five full-time years; they will be charged additional tuition for such programs (see Tuition and Fees). However, if a student is able to complete the requirements of both degrees in four full-time years, and has a GPA of at least 3.70 at the end of the junior year, they may request a waiver of the five-year requirement.

A waiver of the five-year residency requirement requires approval of the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, the chairs of both majors, and the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. A form is available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Students pursuing a double-major may be required to pay for additional studio as full-time tuition only covers one studio assignment. Tufts/NEC students wishing to pursue a second major at NEC must meet with the Dean and Chief Academic Officer and Associate Director of Student Financial Planning to discuss tuition requirements.

Harvard and NEC Dual-Degree

Students accepted by both Harvard College and NEC may enter a joint five-year program leading to the AB at Harvard and the MM at NEC. Students will pursue the AB curriculum at Harvard and take studio instruction each semester at NEC. In the fourth year of study, students will complete all requirements for the AB degree at Harvard while beginning to fulfill NEC’s MM degree requirements. Students will receive the MM degree from NEC after successful completion of the fifth year of study. Further information about this program is available from the Head Tutor of the Department of Music at Harvard University and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising at NEC.

The program is open to high school students who apply to both institutions through their normal admissions processes. Applicants to the joint program will be expected to audition at NEC and for the NEC faculty member(s) with whom they wish to study. Students may be admitted to the joint program as first-year students in composition and any performance area supported by NEC. Harvard undergraduates in their first year of study may apply to transfer into the dual-degree program by completing NEC’s application and audition process. Due to curriculum constraints, students beyond their first year at Harvard may not apply to transfer, and current NEC undergraduates are not eligible to transfer into the dual-degree at Harvard.

Under normal circumstances, students accepted to the dual-degree program in composition or a performance area must matriculate at both campuses simultaneously and maintain concurrent enrollment at both campuses for a total of eight semesters. Any exceptions must be approved by the appropriate offices at Harvard and NEC. Application to the program as a Theory major will take place in the course of the sophomore year at Harvard. Admissions will be made at the end of the academic year, to commence the following term. Students accepted into the program will be required to take a promotional at the end of each academic year. Students who are unable to pass the promotional may be asked to withdraw from the NEC portion of the program.

Five-Year BM in Piano and MM in Collaborative Piano

This unique and individualized curriculum is designed for a select group of talented pianists who seek the opportunity to explore both solo piano and the art of collaboration in a focused program. The program has a duration of five years, at the end of which students earn a Bachelor of Music in Piano and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano. During the first three years of the program, students fulfill the normal requirements of the Bachelor’s degree Piano curriculum. Beginning in the second year, students take classes in modern languages/liberal arts, chamber music, and free electives as part of the BM degree, but these classes will also fulfill requirements of the Master’s in Collaborative Piano curriculum. In the third year, students receive both weekly piano lessons and bi-weekly collaborative piano lessons. This provides early collaborative instruction to prepare for students to be at the graduate level, and the experience over all four years of the Bachelor’s degree builds a deeper and well-balanced foundation in piano-instrumental and piano-vocal repertoire. Students will perform required piano promotionals at the end of the first three years to assess their continued progress as a piano major. An additional collaborative piano promotional is required at the end of the third year, which simultaneously confirms the student’s readiness for the Master of Music in Collaborative Piano. Since the curriculum in the fifth year is focused on Collaborative Piano, students will normally present their Bachelor’s degree graduation piano recital in the first semester of the fourth year and their recital in Collaborative Piano at the end of their fifth year. Upon completion of the five years of study, students will receive both a Bachelor of Music in Piano and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano.

First-year applicants should prepare the usual undergraduate audition repertoire as listed for piano majors and indicate their interest in the five-year program on the application. A video recording stating why you are interested in the program should be included with your application. All applicants must be accepted by the Piano department first in order to be eligible to audition for this dual-degree program. An audition for the Collaborative Piano faculty will then take place no later than the end of the second year. Incoming first-year undergraduate piano majors interested in the program must consult with their academic advisor during Orientation week to carefully consider their classes in the first year. It is also possible for current first- and second-year piano major students at NEC to consider this program. These students should consult with their academic advisor early in the fall semester, and schedule an audition time with the Collaborative Piano department no later than the spring semester of the second year.

Graduate Minors and Concentrations

MM, GD, and DMA students at NEC may pursue a concentration in Teaching Artistry and Music Education.

Additionally, MM students may pursue a minor in Music Theory, and DMA students may pursue minors in Music Theory or Musicology.

MM may find more information about these curricular options here. GD students may find more information here. DMA students may find more information here.

MM Double Majors

Pursuing a second major at the Master’s level involves a formal admission process during, or any time after, the first year of study; see your academic advisor for details.

Once admitted to the second major, the student must consult with their academic advisor to develop a proposed curriculum which must then be approved by both department chairs, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, and the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. The program requires at least two additional full-time semesters. Students must take all courses for the first major and any additional courses required for the second.

Students must meet free elective credit requirements for the first degree, but may use any required departmental courses for the second major towards free electives for the first major. Those pursuing a second major should anticipate enrolling in four additional semesters of studio; however, they may petition for permission to meet their requirements with only two more. Studio, chamber music, and ensemble credits for the second degree may not be used towards the first degree. Such petitions will only be considered when the two fields of study are closely related. Furthermore, such petitions require the approval of the new department chair, academic advisor, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, and Dean and Chief Academic Officer. Under no circumstances may a student enroll in two studios in the same field simultaneously. Students pursuing a double major will be required to pay for additional studio as full-time tuition only covers one studio assignment.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible to graduate when they have satisfactorily completed all program requirements.

To qualify for graduation, and in order for a degree to be conferred, a degree/diploma candidate must:

see the academic advisor for a graduation review;
complete and file an intent to graduate form by the stipulated deadline (see
Academic Calendar);
complete all degree requirements, including courses, promotionals, recitals, theses and final projects, non-credit requirements, courses transferred from other school(s), and degree examinations (for DMA requirements, see Doctor of Musical Arts);
achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.00 (undergraduate) or 3.00 (graduate);
complete all grades of INC (incomplete) or IP (in progress);
meet all obligations, including the return of books, instruments, and music to respective libraries;
pay any fees, tuition, fines, or emergency loans;
complete an exit interview with the Financial Aid Office;
complete the final semester of registered coursework with Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students on Academic or Disciplinary Probation may not graduate until they have fulfilled the terms of probation.

NEC expects master’s candidates to complete all degree requirements within five years of matriculation; doctoral students, within seven years.

Degree and diploma candidates are allowed to participate in one ceremony for their degree. Students who have completed all degree requirements are eligible to participate at commencement. UD, BM, MM, and GD students may request to participate at commencement even when their degree requirements are not completed if they meet all three of the requirements listed below:

the student files an intent to graduate form with the Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the deadline stipulated in the Academic Calendar; and
the student can complete all remaining requirements in the semester immediately after walking; and
if the student’s remaining degree requirements are equal to or less than the number of credits that they would need to carry at NEC as a half-time
student in their degree program (see Credit Loads and Enrollment Status).

AD and DMA students must satisfy all degree requirements before participating in commencement.

Graduation Honors and Awards

ACADEMIC HONORS
Faculty Council awards Academic Honors to degree candidates who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 (undergraduates) or 3.85 (graduates).

GEORGE WHITEFIELD CHADWICK MEDAL
Faculty Council awards the George Whitefield Chadwick Medal to a graduating bachelor’s degree student whose record of achievement has been distinguished by superior accomplishment in the major field, supplementary studies, extracurricular activities, and citizenship.

GUNTHER SCHULLER MEDAL
Faculty Council awards the Gunther Schuller Medal to a graduate degree or diploma candidate who has made extraordinary contributions to the life of the Conservatory.

DONALD MARTINO AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPOSITION
The Donald Martino Award for Excellence in Composition was established in his name by friends and family. The award, to be given to outstanding composition students at NEC, commemorates Martino’s important achievements as a composer and his impact on students and colleagues at NEC.

ENTREPRENEURIAL MUSICIANSHIP SPARK AWARD
The Entrepreneurial Musicianship Spark Award is given in consultation with the Alumni Relations Office. The award recognizes and supports outgoing students who have a strong entrepreneurial mindset. The recipients can apply their award and advising sessions to advance a project, build an online portfolio, or seek out additional training.

PI KAPPA LAMBDA
NEC’s chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society, inducts a small number of graduating students each year; nominations by NEC are made on the basis of extraordinary musical, academic, and personal achievement.

TOURJÉE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Tourjée Alumni Scholarship Award is given each year to an alumnus/a or graduating student to pursue graduate work at NEC. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding musicianship, scholarship, and enterprise, as well as potential for success in graduate study and the field of music.

PETER LYMAN ROW GLOBAL MUSICIANSHIP AWARD
The Peter Lyman Row Global Musicianship Award is a cash prize established by the Row family in honor of sitarist Peter Lyman Row who served as faculty member, dean and provost of the Conservatory between 1974 and 2018. The award is approved by Faculty Council and is presented at commencement to a degree or diploma student, undergraduate or graduate, who demonstrates excellence in their primary area of study—performance, composition or scholarship—as well as a deep commitment to and in-depth study of a world music tradition, embodying Peter Row’s breadth of interests.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE LIBERAL ARTS
The Award for Excellence in the Liberal Arts is given to the senior who completes outstanding work across multiple disciplines in the Liberal Arts and who serves the NEC community through extracurricular activities that extend beyond their musical studies.

Policy Statements

(The following subsections summarize some of the most important policies that govern the relationship between students and NEC, including policies that address student responsibilities as an NEC community member. For the full, currently-effective versions of certain policies linked below, see the NEC website at https://necmusic.edu/student-handbook.)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students have an obligation to behave honorably and ethically in carrying out their academic, musical, and personal activities. In conjunction with the Discipline Committee, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising will adjudicate issues of academic or personal integrity, including cheating or plagiarism. Please see the Student Handbook for a full description of Academic Integrity.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
The state of Massachusetts defines bullying as “the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property; (ii) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the victim; (iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.” New England Conservatory will not tolerate bullying in any form. Students who believe they have been or are being bullied should report the incident to the Dean of Students & Campus Life.

GRADE APPEALS
Where a student challenges a final grade for reasons other than computation or recording errors, the student should first speak with the faculty member who issued the grade. If the outcome of this conference is not satisfactory to the student, the student may then submit a written appeal (not to exceed two pages) addressed to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising, setting forth the basis for the appeal. The student may attach any written work of the student or other documentation that the student believes is relevant. The Assistant Dean will make a threshold determination whether the appeal is timely and states permissible grounds for a potential grade change. If so, the Assistant Dean may resolve the appeal or designate another NEC administrator to be the decision-maker.

A grade appeal must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days after the student receives notice of the grade in question; the decision-maker will typically resolve the grade appeal within 21 calendar days thereafter.

The decision-maker will confer with the faculty member about the basis for the grade. The decision-maker will not substitute their judgment for that of the faculty member and a grade will only be changed if the decision-maker determines that the grade was arbitrary, capricious, in violation of NEC rules or policies, or if the faculty member and decision-maker agree that an improvement in the grade is appropriate. The decision-maker will issue a written decision to the student and faculty member.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the decision-maker, they may request a final review by the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. The written request for further review to the Dean and Chief Academic Officer should not exceed two pages, but may also attach the initial grade appeal. The student must submit any request for final review by the Dean and Chief Academic Officer within 7 calendar days after being sent the decision. The Dean and Chief Academic Officer will review the materials submitted by the student and may confer with the decision-maker and faculty member or others as appropriate. The Dean and Chief Academic Officer will use the same standard of review as the decision-maker: the Dean and Chief Academic Officer will not substitute their judgment for that of the faculty member and a grade will only be changed if the Dean and Chief Academic Officer finds the grade was arbitrary, capricious, in violation of NEC rules or policies, or if the faculty member and the Dean and Chief Academic Officer agree that an improvement in the grade is appropriate. The Dean and Chief Academic Officer will typically reach a decision within 14 calendar days of receiving the request for final review.

The timelines in this policy may be extended and these procedures modified by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising or the Dean and Chief Academic Officer as needed to ensure full and fair resolution of the appeal. In addition, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising or the Dean and Chief Academic Officer have the discretion to stay a grade appeal where it is determined that another NEC process or investigation must be completed to ensure full and fair resolution of the appeal. For example, grade appeals involving NEC’s Policy Against Sex Discrimination and related formal processes, Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination Policy, Diversity & Respect Policy, or those arising under any other policy that already includes its own specific appeal or grievance policy will be referred for investigation and review under those policies. Any such modifications will be communicated in writing to the student and faculty member and will apply only for that matter.

GRIEVANCE POLICY
The following General Grievance Policy applies to all academic and/or course related grievances by students except those covered under NEC’s Policy Against Sex Discrimination and related formal processes, or Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination Policy, Diversity & Respect Policy, or those arising under any other policy that already includes its own specific appeal or grievance process (e.g., student grade appeals, student FERPA appeal, or student Section 504 grievance appeals).

Direct discussion often resolves issues in a manner that allows both parties to move forward constructively; as such, any student who believes that they have been aggrieved by the application of an academic policy or other educational decision should, if comfortable doing so, first raise the issue with the faculty member or administrator who applied the policy or made the decision in question. If the student is not comfortable doing so, the student may first raise the issue with the Chair of the appropriate department.

Any grievance should be raised within 30 academic days of the action or decision that forms the basis of the grievance. (“Academic days” means calendar days while school is in session and therefore excludes summer, semester, or spring breaks). The faculty member, administrator or Chair will typically respond in writing within 10 academic days of receipt of the grievance. The response will be shared with the student.

If the student is not satisfied with the response by the faculty member, administrator, or Chair, they may seek further review from the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Such further review should be sought within 10 academic days of the initial response by the faculty member, administrator, or Chair. The Assistant Dean will typically respond in writing within 10 academic days of the receipt of the grievance. Sometimes a grievance may include concerns grievable under this Policy but also concerns requiring processing or prior investigation under some other policy.

Depending upon the nature of the grievance and the issues raised, the Assistant Dean may respond by not resolving the grievance on the merits but, instead, by forwarding the grievance for prior investigation by the Dean of Students or another office, for outside investigation prior to resolution, or for processing under a different policy, including, without limitation, NEC’s anti-discrimination or Title IX policies. In such circumstances, the student and faculty member or administrator in question will be informed by the Assistant Dean about how the grievance will be investigated and resolved.

If the student is not satisfied with the response by the Assistant Dean, they may, within 10 academic days of the Assistant Dean’s response, seek a final review from the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. The Dean and Chief Academic Officer will review the grievance and conduct an inquiry in the level deemed appropriate in the Dean’s discretion; the Dean and Chief Academic Officer will then make a written determination within 30 academic days, which will be provided to the student and the faculty member or administrator whose decision is under review. This resolution will be final and binding.

The time limits and procedures set forth in this Grievance Policy may be extended or modified by the Conservatory in its discretion in order to obtain a full and fair resolution of student grievances.

RETALIATION
Retaliation for making good faith reports of student misconduct or for participating, cooperating, or being associated with an investigation or student conduct process, is prohibited. Anyone who believes they have been the target of prohibited retaliation should immediately contact the Dean of Students and Campus Life.

Any person found to have engaged in prohibited retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary action.

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Conservatory to maintain a work and academic environment that is free of sexual harassment and discriminatory actions based on race, color, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veterans’ status, membership in uniformed services, or any other protected status. Unlawful employment discrimination and sexual harassment by officers, managers, faculty, supervisors, employees, students, advisors, vendors, clientele, and contractors will not be tolerated.

Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated.

The Conservatory will investigate complaints of violation of its policies against discrimination and harassment. Members of the NEC community who violate NEC's policies against discrimination and harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, suspension, and/or expulsion.

POLICY AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION
New England Conservatory is committed to adopting policies that seek to provide a safe environment where all students can reach their artistic, academic and personal potential. The Conservatory complies with state and federal law relating to sexual misconduct and sexual- or gender-based discrimination or harassment, including, without limitation, Title IX of the Higher Education Amendment Act (1972). NEC’s Policy Against Sex Discrimination, including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment, as well as resources for individuals who have been impacted by such discrimination, are located on our website at https://necmusic.edu/policies/.

PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING RELEASE POLICY
All concerts presented by NEC performing groups/organizations as part of NEC’s academic concert calendar may be audiotaped, filmed, or videotaped by NEC. In addition, NEC may engage in commercial audio recording, film and video projects featuring its performing groups/organizations. NEC reserves all rights to these audio recordings, films or videotapes (known collectively hereafter as “Recordings”), including the right to broadcast, license, assign, and distribute the Recordings and derivatives thereof in all media, for any purpose and without limitation. All NEC students assign to NEC all copyright and other rights in such performances and Recordings, including any proceeds earned from commercial distribution or other use of the Recordings. In addition, a student’s name and likeness in the published materials associated with these Recordings may be used by NEC and its agents. NEC is released from any claims arising out of broadcast, commercial distribution and promotion of these recordings.

JORDAN HALL VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING POLICY
NEC students and student ensembles may have opportunities to perform in NEC’s Jordan Hall. Jordan Hall concerts are audio recorded by NEC’s professional engineering staff and archived in the Blumenthal Family Library. Recordings of required student recitals or NEC student ensembles can be requested through the NEC Audio/Visual Services department. Students presenting unrequired recitals may hire the AVS department to record (audio/video/stream) their recital for a fee.

Students who would like to hire a videographer for NEC ensemble concerts must first seek approval from NEC’s Dean and Chief Artistic Officer at least 30 days in advance of the concert date. Any requests approved for video recording of Jordan Hall concerts will be done so under the following conditions:

You, or your appointed videographer, will videotape/record only that portion of the concert in which you are the featured soloist. No other portion of the concert may be recorded.

The video recording is for your own personal evaluation and archival use. NEC authorizes you to duplicate and submit the recording for audition purposes, if you so desire.
You will not post the video online on YouTube, your personal website or on any other website. Any desire to post the video in any public domain must be approved in advance by the Conservatory.
Questions about this policy should be directed to NEC’s Marketing Department, Recording and Performance Technology Department, or other appropriate NEC administrative office.

You will not distribute the video recording via DVD or as an electronic file for any commercial or non-commercial purpose.

Placement of video cameras will be at the discretion of the House and Stage Managers and will not be allowed to obstruct any aisle, doorway or other means of egress.

PHOTO RELEASE POLICY
NEC activities and students are often photographed for use in NEC promotional materials and publicity efforts. These photographs may be used in a publication, print ad, direct-mail piece, electronic media (e.g. video, CDROM, online) or other form of promotion. All NEC students release NEC from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary rights in connection with such use.

CARE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY POLICY
Students who bring articles of personal property onto the premises of the Conservatory do so at their own risk. The Conservatory assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for any articles, including instruments, that are lost or stolen. The Conservatory urges students to leave valuables at home or to obtain appropriate property insurance. The Conservatory recommends obtaining private insurance if your belongings are not covered by your family’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Academic Standing

DEAN’S LIST: BACHELOR’S and MASTER'S PROGRAMS
Students who are registered for full-time study, who complete all attempted credits with a minimum semester GPA of 3.70 (for the bachelor’s program) or 3.90 (for the master’s program), and who receive no grades of U, F, F*, W, INC, IP (except in CLPNO 511T), or IPD, qualify for the Dean’s List. They may take up to 2 non-studio credits beyond full-time load in the next semester without additional charge. They may not, however, use such credits to accelerate programs (see Residency Policy), nor can Dean’s List credits be held in reserve for use in a later semester. Students enrolled in the Undergraduate Diploma, Undergraduate Performance Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Doctor of Musical Arts, or Artist Diploma programs are not eligible for the Dean’s List. Students enrolled full time in the NEC/Tufts program qualify for the Dean’s List at both schools if they fulfill the requirements at each institution (3.70 GPA at NEC; 3.40 at Tufts). Those enrolled for 12 or more credits at NEC are eligible for our Dean’s List, independent of their standing at Tufts. DMA students should consult the DMA Handbook for additional information on Dean’s List eligibility.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
To qualify for continued financial assistance, Conservatory students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. NEC defines satisfactory academic progress as the successful completion of at least 67% of all registered credits every semester, as well as successful completion of any promotional evaluation. Additionally, undergraduates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 while graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. At the end of every semester, the Academic Review Committee considers records to determine whether students have made satisfactory academic progress. Those who have not fulfilled the requirement may be placed on academic probation; they may also forfeit eligibility for financial aid (see Probation and Suspension below). The committee considers exceptions in cases of illness, bereavement, or well-documented personal circumstances.

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
Probation provides both a warning and a method of supervision for students whose work has not met NEC’s requirements. The Academic Review Committee adjudicates cases of students subject to probation, suspension, or dismissal; its decisions appear on transcripts.

The committee places a student on probation based on the following criteria:

1) Academic
a) a term GPA below 2.00 for undergraduates or 3.00 for graduates;
b) two or more failing grades;
c) failure to make satisfactory academic progress.
2) Performance/Applied Studies
a) failure in studio
b) U (Unsatisfactory) in a promotional; or
c) failure in a curriculum-required ensemble for two consecutive semesters

Students on probation may not withdraw from courses without permission of the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Students are not permitted to graduate while on suspension or during a semester in which their academic record has placed them on probation; those on probation must meet the conditions necessary to return to good standing to graduate. In addition, students who are placed on probation as a result of their final semester’s work are not permitted to graduate.

To return to good standing, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

Students placed on probation for academic reasons must successfully complete at least one credit of work in a course used in GPA calculations during the next semester for which they are registered in order to qualify for “Satisfactory Academic Progress” and thus leave probationary status.

Students placed on probation for performance/applied studies reasons must successfully complete all credits related to the performance or applied studies activities which originally placed them on probation or suspension.

The Academic Review Committee may stipulate additional terms required for students to return to good standing.

Students with two consecutive unsatisfactory academic records, or two consecutive unsatisfactory promotionals, or three consecutive semesters of failed curricular-required ensemble are subject to suspension. Suspension based on probationary records is for one full year, though students may petition the Academic Review Committee for an early return from suspension under unusual and compelling circumstances. Suspended students must request permission to return from the Academic Review Committee, through their studio department, and from the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Students must provide documentation demonstrating their ability to successfully complete their program, as specified in their suspension letter. Petitions must be submitted by March 1 for the Fall semester, and October 1 for the Spring semester. Students who receive permission to return from suspension are automatically on probation for their first semester back at NEC.

A student who fails Studio in combination with any other probationary criteria may be subject to an immediate one-semester suspension, without initially being placed on probation, at the discretion of the Academic Review Committee.

Suspended students allowed to return who do not achieve satisfactory academic standing in their first semester are subject to dismissal.