How to Nail Your Conservatory Application
Your step-by-step guide and worksheet from NEC
Ready to take the next step toward your future in music? NEC’s step-by-step guide will help you build a standout application — for NEC and elsewhere. Download or print it to stay organized as you go. And if NEC’s on your list (we hope it is!), be sure to submit your application by December 1!
Gather Your Materials
Each school has its own specific application requirements, which you can typically find on its website or by creating an online application. The checklist below includes common requirements for music schools like New England Conservatory.
Materials Needed
Pre-screening videos
Unofficial Transcript
Personal essays
Artistic Resume/Repertoire List
Recommendation letters Yes, 2
ACT/SAT Scores
Introduction video
English score (if applicable)
Application Fee Yes
Some Tips:
Ask for recommendations way in advance of the deadline. They may not answer in time if you ask them 24 hours before you need to submit their contact information!
Double-check all of your essay prompts before you begin to write. It’s helpful to compile your prompts into one document so you can reference your other essays.
Look over your own materials with a critical eye. What would an outsider think of your materials? Are they polished? Is the grammar correct? How does your resume look?
Plan Your Audition
Your audition may be months away, but it helps to have a plan. Work with your teacher to determine your repertoire and start memorizing it. And don’t be afraid to take a break — it can keep your performance fresh and exciting!
Use this form to get started with your preparation. (We’ve filled out an example row for you.)
Schools Needed For: Needed?
1st mvt of concerto: Mozart NEC
Nov 15
Step Upload your materials and fill out the application.
Triple check every field and upload.
We cannot stress this enough! You don’t want to accidentally submit an essay addressed to the wrong school or send a recording that has you stopping and restarting.
If you have questions about any part of the application, contact your admissions counselor — they are there to help!
Step
Consider your teacher preferences
Before you apply, take some time to explore potential teachers.
At NEC, you can update your preferences any time during the process. If you’re unsure who to choose, check out faculty performance or master class videos online, and read their bios to learn more about their backgrounds and specialties.
You don’t need to take a trial lesson or meet a teacher before applying — many students don’t! While you’re welcome to reach out for information or a lesson, it’s not required (and this applies to most other schools, too). Our admissions team is always happy to help you find the right fit.
Step
Submit your application
NEC’s deadline is December 1, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Give yourself time to review everything and make sure it’s perfect. You’ve worked hard to get to this point — you’ve got this!
We’re looking forward to seeing your application. If you need support at any point during the process, please reach out to an admissions staff member below or send an email to admissions@necmusic.edu. We would love to hear from you and wish you the best of luck during this application season.
Our Enrollment Team
Claire Paik
Senior Associate Director Chamber Music for Pianists, Collaborative Piano, Composition, Music Theory, Musicology, Piano, Voice
claire.paik@necmusic.edu
Kristyn Morey
Senior Assistant Director Brass, Conducting, Jazz Composition, Jazz Performance, Percussion, Winds
kristyn.morey@necmusic.edu
Alyssa Tong
Associate Director
Contemporary Musical Arts, Piano Trio, String Quartet, Strings, Institute for Concert Artists (Artist Diploma)
alyssa.tong@necmusic.edu