Overview

The New England Conservatory of Music Contemporary Musical Arts department is both a musical community and a rigorous training program for the complete 21st century musician. The courses and ensembles are uniquely designed to help you develop the advanced aural and technical skills you will need to thrive in today’s challenging global musical scene. In CMA, you will work with incomparable faculty to develop your unique voice as a composer, performer, and improviser through deep engagement with diverse oral traditions, interdisciplinary collaborations, cross-departmental projects, and conceptual ideas.

Key facts

NEC’s Contemporary Musical Arts department is both a musical community and a rigorous training program for the complete 21st century musician. The courses and ensembles are uniquely designed to help you develop the advanced aural and technical skills you will need to thrive in today’s challenging global musical scene. In CMA, you will work with incomparable faculty to develop your unique voice as a composer, performer, and improviser through deep engagement with diverse oral traditions, interdisciplinary collaborations, cross-departmental projects, and conceptual ideas.

With an emphasis on ear training, technique, conceptual ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a wide range of improvisational traditions from the United States and around the world, the CMA program is at the forefront of groundbreaking music, innovation, and artistry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Studio Contemporary Musical Arts

Contemporary Musical Arts Ensemble

Third Stream Methodology
Music Theory
Musicology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 293 other Masters in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to the Masters of Music program at NEC requires a completed bachelor’s degree, or its recognized equivalent, from an accredited college or university. The Masters of Music curriculum focuses on studio and ensemble work, supplemented by academic course requirements in musicology and music theory, as well as coursework that is complementary to your chosen major. Additional study is provided through frequent masterclasses, guest artists, and repertoire classes.

Auditions are a core aspect of Conservatory admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Out-of-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Contemporary Musical Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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