Intercultural and Improvisation Studies
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
A number of departments at New England Conservatory offer courses that provide the opportunity to study cultures outside of the European and North American traditions, which are the primary focus of most undergraduate and graduate work in studio, ensemble and classroom. These courses may be taken either to satisfy particular departmental requirements for graduation or as electives. See course listings for Contemporary Musical Arts, Liberal Arts, Music History/Musicology, Music in Education and Music Theory for course descriptions.
THE NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY INTERCULTURAL INSTITUTE
Mehmet Sanlikol, DMA, director
The NEC Intercultural Institute, founded in 1993, offers workshops, performances and residencies throughout the academic year by guest artists in a wide variety of musical traditions from around the world. These presentations are open without restriction to both the Conservatory community and the general public, free of charge. (No academic credit)
IMPROVISATION STUDIES
A student interested in pursuing any aspect of improvisation study at New England Conservatory may do so on both the graduate and undergraduate levels in three ways: 1) in courses which stress performance, 2) in academic courses in which improvisation is to some degree a subject of historical or cultural study, or 3) in courses which incorporate improvisation into the work of the class. See course listings for Jazz Studies, Contemporary Musical Arts, Liberal Arts, Music History/Musicology, and Music Theory for course descriptions.
Classes in improvisatory performance are available under the departments of Contemporary Musical Arts, Jazz Studies, and Music History/Musicology, but it is common for classical performers to enroll in these courses as electives. (Note: some courses are restricted to majors in particular departments. Consult the course descriptions for more information.)
ENSEMBLE
All NEC students are welcome to audition for large and small Jazz ensembles and Contemporary Musical Arts ensembles. All NEC students have an opportunity to play in the NEC Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Composers Workshop Orchestra.
Small jazz ensembles are primarily for Jazz Performance majors. However, non-majors, including Jazz Composition majors, are occasionally placed in small jazz ensembles when space allows. They must demonstrate a level of experience and ability in improvisation comparable to our Jazz Performance majors. Only CMA and Jazz majors may receive ensemble credit for CMA and Jazz ensembles.