“I adore the school. I adore going there every day. I have a class at 2 p.m. today and I can’t wait.” 

John Heiss, an NEC faculty member for over 50 years, described his decision to make a planned gift as “a way to continue adoring the school when I’m not around.” From Olivier Messiaen to Gunther Schuller to Elliott Carter, during his time at NEC, John has brought internationally renowned composers to campus to energize and inspire students. The John and Arlene Heiss Composer Masterclass Fund will ensure these special interactions between students and composers continue far into the future.

Although John had a couple of job offers back in 1967, he chose NEC because he wanted to teach at a school “where music was the primary mission … and the conservatory was entering a new burst of energy and development. Right now, we are the best school since I have been here.”

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