Hi all, I am an undergrad F classical voice major and need to decide soon on a school. I have narrowed it down to the Boston Conservatory and New England Conservatory.
I did the vocal intensive at BoCo and absolutely fell in love with the school atmosphere and structure of the curriculum (they seem to be focused primarily on teaching technique through art song, and then encourage singers to focus on operatic repertoire beginning sophomore/junior year). I respect this process but am honestly now debating whether or not that is best for me. I always envisioned going to BoCo because of the relationships I formed with the faculty. Unfortunately, I received very little scholarship and financial aid and have yet to hear back about my studio assignment.
I loved NEC as well. I know that this school is more prestigious; my question is, is it worth it? I have heard a lot of negatives about the environment. I would say that the level of education I receive and the learning environment are of equal importance to me. I received a very generous scholarship from NEC and have heard nothing but good things about my voice teacher (who was not my first choice, but I think it will be fine).
I would love any and all opinions about these schools. I have a lot to consider within the next few weeks and am excited to make my decision! Thank you to any and all advice/comments you may provide.
Congrats on your admission to BoCo and NEC. I am the parent of an NEC (undergrad) Berkley Global (grad) Jazz instrumentalist. I also live in the Boston area. Both are excellent choices. I do not know how BoCo has changed since merging with Berklee and what opportunities that provides for students at BoCo, but I know the facilities are the best you will find. NEC is a bit quirkier. It is a small school and almost everyone knows everyone (ie: Classical kids know Jazz kids know Contemporary Improvisation kids). There is a lot of cross-genre music being made and a real focus on artistry and creation. For example one of my son’s collaborators from his undergrad years is a male opera major. There is one female voice teacher at NEC that EVERYONE raves about and adores.
The nice thing about Boston is that all these schools are in the same area. And there is the potential for cross-fertilization. BoCa and Berklee Kids regularly create music or do projects with NEC kids or BU kids. In my son’s case when he was at NEC he had teachers who also taught at Berklee and when he was at Berklee he took lessons with a classical Orchestral Boston Symphony musician. So if you did attend NEC there is a chance somehow you could take lessons with faculty at BoCa if you were motivated to work it out with the administration.
Finally one thing I loved about NEC as a parent is that the culture at NEC felt very healthy. Students were super supportive of each other and were always going to each other’s concerts. There did not seem to be a lot of back-stabbing or focus on competition but rather a focus on everyone becoming the best musician they could. Granted my son was not part of the classical world and I know from some conversations we have had that among classical string players despite efforts by faculty there still was competition.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice. But I definitely would take $$$ into account. You will need your master’s after graduation if you hope to continue and have a teaching studio in order to support your performing career.
@StacJip I feel relieved reading your response since I really do love both schools. Thank you so much!!
@sam2368 S is completing his first year at NEC as a classical instrumentalist. He loves it and I echo @StacJip comments about the culture feeling healthy – collaborative, not competitive.
I just texted my daughter about NEC (she’s a violinist) and this is what she said: “I hear that sometimes there’s studio teacher drama but it seems really good and informative. People are happy. Lots of opportunity even for undergrad I think?”
(of course, I actually spelled out all the words… haha)