theperformer

Last week I was in the NYC area to scope out schools for Vocal Performance, and now I'm headed to the Boston area. I was going to visit Boston Conservatory, but the week I'm able to go (next week) isn't available for tours because of finals/juries. SO, I've decided to check out NEC first and I was curious to know what everyone thought of their vocal department.

I've set up a lesson with Patricia Craig and I'm excited to work with her when I get there. Any information about the program and faculty would be wonderful so I can best evaluate my visit.

Thanks in advance!

jazzzmomm

You haven't had any replies yet, so, although my son is a jazz instrumentalist starting at NEC in the fall, I can give you a quick impression of jazz voice and the overall Conservatory. Are you classical or jazz?

We spent two days last week visiting NEC and letting our son soak up the environment a little. He chose the conservatory based on its reputation and faculty for jazz; NEC has an openness to an eclectic mix of music in its jazz department. One little interesting thing we noticed: at MSM the performance jazz ensembles wear black shirts and pants, kind of formal. At NEC, the musicians come as they are--there is a great sense of individualism and fun that stood apart from our experiences with MSM, where tradition is the calling card. That might appeal to some students, though.

One of the ensembles we saw, a Brazillian one led by Ben Sher, had a wonderful female vocalist who sang all in Portugese. And this was Brazillian with a definite "free jazz" twist, very cool.

I just jumped in to hopefully start the conversation for you. If you are a classical singer, I hope someone can comment on that for you.

lorelei2702

mommybird

I wanted to bump this thread because I wanted more info. My DS did not apply to NEC because we just didn't know anything about it (vocally). We know NEC instrumental teachers very well. Anyone know any good voice teachers there? I have another singer at home. Thanks!