Eileen Nielsen
“When I enrolled at New England Conservatory, it was a dream come true.”
Eileen’s parents introduced her to music when she was a child. “Music was always playing in our home. I thought something was missing if I didn’t hear it.” Her passion for music continues today. “I never pass up the opportunity to talk music with anyone interested in a musical conversation.”
Deep-seated in her love of music was the desire to learn to play piano. Well into adulthood, she decided it was time to learn. She started on an electric keyboard and lessons at a local music school. After she and her husband attended an adult piano recital at NEC’s Williams Hall, her husband encouraged her to enroll in the adult education program at NEC. And, so it began - private lessons, piano master classes, week-long piano workshops, and finally performing in Williams Hall.
Eileen’s experience inspired her to include a gift in her will for the Piano Department at NEC. “I’m a firm believer in lifelong education. Thanks to NEC, I was able to follow my passion for music as an adult. I want to make sure the same opportunities are available for future generations of piano students.”
Piano is still an important part of Eileen’s life. When she and her husband moved to Rhode Island a few years ago, a must-have in their new home was a music room for her grand piano. She practices several hours a day to prepare for her twice-weekly piano lessons and jazz ensemble. “My life revolves around music and piano: I couldn’t be happier.”
Additional Giving Options
By making a planned gift, you can strengthen NEC and gain financial and tax benefits for you and your family. For more information, please contact Aaron McGarry, Planned Giving Officer, by email or by phone at 617-585-1356.
Real estate can be contributed as an outright gift or to finance a planned gift. Available options include a retained life estate, which allows the donor to continue to use the property for a certain number of years, or for the donor’s lifetime. Other arrangements offer special tax advantages and lifetime income.
Gifts of real estate include undeveloped land, a residence, a vacation home, a farm, or commercial property. NEC requires the donor to bear certain costs when making a real estate gift, such as an appraisal to determine the fair market value. Also, NEC deducts transaction costs from the proceeds of the sale of the property, including the closing costs, title insurance, a survey (if needed), and any taxes due before the gift is completed.
For any questions about gifts of real estate, please contact Abigail Smitka, Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts and Campaigns, at as3628@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1719.
Many companies support the philanthropic interests of their employees by matching employee contributions to nonprofit organizations like NEC. If your employer offers a matching gift program, you may be able to double or even triple your gift!
For more information on matching gift contributions, please contact Cheryl Fries, Assistant Director of Advancement Operations, at cheryl.fries@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1373.
Gifts of personal property, such as musical instruments, recordings, and scores provide valuable support for our music education programs. Through the support of in-kind gifts, you can help NEC meet the college’s ongoing need to expand its inventory — and you qualify for a tax deduction.
NEC accepts in-kind donations on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact Patricia Kopko, Director of Advancement Operations, by email or phone at 617-585-1225
Friends of NEC may elect to make gifts to commemorate a loved one’s life, birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. We will gladly notify those you wish to know of any gifts made in their honor.
Contributions in any amount may be directed to The NEC Fund, or to the area of your choice. Please note the name of the person you wish to commemorate when you make your gift.
Contact Us
To learn more about how you can support NEC, please contact Cheryl Fries, Assistant Director of Advancement Operations, at cheryl.fries@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1373.
New England Conservatory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our non-profit tax ID is 23-7225104.
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