New England Conservatory Announces a Fully Funded Endowment for the Preparatory School’s Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar

BOSTON—September 19, 2024—New England Conservatory (NEC) has announced a significant milestone in music education with a major expansion of the endowment for the NEC Preparatory School's Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS). The fully funded endowment allows the 21 advanced youth musicians, ages 13-18, in Piano Trios and String Quartets to attend the program tuition-free.

Co-directed by cellist Laura Blustein and violinist Soovin Kim, CHIPS provides students with an immersive opportunity for advanced musical study, building high-level collaborative music-making skills with an emphasis on performance. Committed to deepening and expanding music education excellence, access, and opportunity, a tuition-free CHIPS ensures that no students are deterred from participating because of financial concerns.

Blustein says, “CHIPS provides passionate NEC Prep students with a thriving community to excel in chamber music at its highest level, and it has been a delight to work with these incredibly talented students. Witnessing their transformation through chamber music in this intensive program has been truly inspiring. Chamber music not only unites musicians but also imparts invaluable musical and life lessons. I am honored to be co-directing this wonderful program with Soovin Kim.”

Andrea Kalyn, NEC President, states, “CHIPS offers a unique opportunity for young musicians that fosters both artistic growth and personal development, and we’re thrilled to be able to remove financial barriers to this transformative experience. We are excited to see the continued impact of the CHIPS program on our students and the broader musical community."

Violinist Soovin Kim adds, "The spirit of CHIPS embodies collaboration, friendship, and excellence–values that resonate deeply with NEC. Laura Blustein and I are dedicated to shaping the program to deliver an unparalleled chamber music experience for students."

In addition to covering student scholarships, the expanded endowment supports faculty salaries and provides opportunities for on-campus and external learning experiences. CHIPS participants benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed artists, thanks in part to the leadership and creativity of former Chair of Chamber Music and Co-Director of CHIPS Merry Peckham, including recent guests such as the Verona Quartet, Claremont Trio, Paul Biss, George Li, Paul Katz, and Kim Kashkashian, enhancing their collaborative skills and performance abilities. Student artists also perform in masterclasses given by renowned chamber musicians such as Donald Weilerstein, Miriam Fried, Vivian Weilerstein, and Seth Knopp. Graduates of the CHIPS program are young leaders in the world of chamber music and have gone on to study at top conservatories and colleges in the U.S. and abroad.

CHIPS supports NEC’s mission to bring more music to more people throughout all stages of their musical journey. Additional programs for youth include Advanced Piano Seminars, an Early Childhood Music Education Pilot Program, access-driven NEC Prep programming, and multiple youth music education access programs for children. In 2025, NEC Prep will celebrate its 75th anniversary, having provided high-quality music education to tens of thousands of young musicians from across the region since its inception.

About New England Conservatory (NEC)
Founded by Eben Tourjée in Boston, Massachusetts in 1867, New England Conservatory (NEC) represents a new model of music school that combines the best of European tradition with American innovation. The school stands at the center of Boston’s rich cultural history and musical life, presenting concerts at the renowned Jordan Hall. Propelled by profound artistry, bold creativity and deep compassion, NEC seeks to amplify musicians’ impact on advancing our shared humanity, and empowers students to meet today’s changing world head-on, equipped with the tools and confidence to forge multidimensional lives of artistic depth and relevance.

As an independent, not-for-profit institution that educates and trains musicians of all ages from around the world, NEC is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools. It cultivates a diverse, dynamic community, providing music students of more than 40 countries with performance opportunities and high-caliber training from 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC pushes the boundaries of music-making and teaching through college-level training in classical, jazz and contemporary improvisation. Through unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships, it empowers students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC’s mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Expanded Education division delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre-college students and adults.

About NEC Prep
New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School empowers students from infancy to 18 years old to learn and grow as musicians. With robust resources, world-class faculty, and a supportive community, NEC Prep prepares students for a lifelong relationship with music. Dedicated teachers and performers provide a challenging, nurturing, and inspiring experience for every student. From beginners to advanced musicians, all students are welcome to join the NEC Prep community and advance their skills. NEC Prep students of all ages can explore various music styles, including classical, jazz, contemporary musical arts, global music, and musical theater. In 2025, NEC Prep will celebrate its 75th anniversary, having provided high-quality music education to tens of thousands of young musicians from across the region since its inception.

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