Zeltsman has taught at both Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music for 30 years. She forged unique programs centering on marimba at both. The schools merged in 2016.
Admission to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee requires separate applications and auditions. Distinguishing Between Our Music Programs
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Boston Conservatory was the first conservatory founded in the United States in 1867. Today, about 840 students are enrolled in its Music, Dance and Theater programs.
Our teaching approach recognizes the breadth of the field of percussion. The department consists of about 25 students: roughly half undergraduate, and half graduate-level. We educate well-versed, well-rounded musicians, while celebrating individualism and students' desires to develop special interests. Our graduates go on to varied careers as versatile freelancers, chamber ensemble performers and directors, orchestral musicians, solo recitalists, theater musicians, high school and middle-school teachers, and college professors.
Applicants to graduate-level studies (M.M., G.P.D. or P.S.C. degrees) may apply to either the general program in Percussion or the Contemporary Classical Music program. Either way, there are numerous opportunities to work with composers and be involved in contemporary music. Marimba Majors (graduate-level) focus on solo, mallet ensemble, and mixed chamber music. The studio is a close-knit, diverse group who are very supportive of each other.
Pictured: BCB Percussion faculty - May 2024 | L to R: Sam Solomon, Kyle Brightwell, Nancy, Matt Smallcomb, Jon Bisesi
Admissions | Music Audition Requirements | Financial Aid | Music Division (2019) | Five Reasons Boston Conservatory Is a Hub for All That’s Contemporary in Classical Music | BCB Percussion Database
Berklee College of Music
Berklee is a multi-faceted performing arts institution. Berklee College of Music (Boston campus) has about 4500 students. The Percussion Department consists of about 35 faculty each of whom teaches a specialized area, and over 500 students across six "principal instruments.” As far as we know, Berklee is the only institution in the world that offers specialized study in marimba at the undergraduate level.
Students are accepted on a principal instrument. By the end of their second semester, they declare a major. The College offers the option of attending during a summer semester (12 weeks that count as a full semester).
Admissions | Undergraduate Music Programs | Financial Aid | A Brief History | Berklee Departments - A-Z