“I studied for a year with Nedelka in a Gospel ensemble class. She embodies the warm demander - someone who expects and pulls excellence from her students with clear and insightful pedagogy, while fully and authentically loving each student for who they are in every moment. She pushed us to help each other, and to always serve the sound of the ensemble rather than our own egos. Nedelka’s teaching proves that excellence and community are not mutually exclusive.”

Alex Graff (NEC Jazz Guitarist, Class of 2017)

“Nedelka Prescod embodies the truth that every student needs to succeed. She is honest, bold, dynamic, and effective in her methods that yield results. I felt connected to my music and the storytelling she helped me explore in ensemble. She is knowledgeable and committed to every individuals unique needs. “

Darynn Dean (Jazz Vocalist, NEC 2019 Alum)

“Nedelka is one of the most effective, supportive and inspiring teachers I've ever had. She has a deep well of empathy and love that allows her to understand and support her students in a way that fosters incredible growth. Nedelka manages to do the impossible in establishing a friendly, organic connection with me and other students while making clear that she demands our very best. She inspires loyalty, dedication and love for the craft, all in a safe and loving environment, which allows me to push myself and grow in a way I couldn't with other teachers.”

Eli Cohen (NEC CI Drummer, Fall 2018 Graduate)

“When Nedelka walks into a classroom the aura of her commitment to her artistry creates an immediate atmosphere of awe, respect, and hope because she balances the depth to which she realizes limitlessness nature of artistic potential with an uncanny ability to create a road map that ignites students towards their own dreams.”

David France (NEC El Sistema Grad, Founder and CEO of Roxbury Youth Orchestra/Revolution of Hope)

“Nedelka Prescod is a modern educator in the truest sense, assimilating aural, oral, and written traditions into a unique blend, creating a space that both encourages and challenges her students.  An educator who is always willing to learn, she pushes herself as much as her students and embodies the idea that one should never halt their learning process. Nedelka, by constantly evolving her approach (while nevertheless staying grounded in tradition) breathes new life into music and inspires her students to reach beyond what they thought they could achieve.”

Ian Molinaro Thompson (Berklee Drummer, Class of 2017)

“Over the course of our time together I’ve found Nedelka’s teaching method to be well rounded, inspiring, and highly effective for three main reasons: 1. Her ability to streamline both the technique/inner workings of the music AND the artistry required to pull it off at such a high level is the basis of what any aspiring musical professional should be studying. 2. Her knowledge of both the voice and keyboard/ability to connect the two, and her vast experience in a plethora of styles/genres (Improvisation, ear based learning, Jazz, Classical, Pop, Songwriting, R&B, etc.) provides a deep well of knowledge to pull from. 3. Her way of critiquing in a very blunt manner that still feels uplifting is a rarity. Any lesson with Nedelka can range from purely musical to an exploration of the inner workings of oneself in relation to the world at large. Working with Nedelka has opened many paths for me, both musically and on a personal level. I cannot recommend her enough.”

Thomas Woodward Davis (NEC CI Pianist/Composer, Class 2019)

“Ms. Nedelka Prescod is an exceptional educator and musician. I had the pleasure of being in her ensembles every semester of my undergraduate studies at New England Conservatory of Music. She holds her students to a high standard in the classroom and as young professional musicians. I deeply admire Ms. Prescod as a teacher, leader, and now, as a fellow working musician and collaborator. I would not be the musician I am today if not for the guidance, wisdom and mentorship of Ms. Prescod.”

Farayi Malek (New England Conservatory Contemporary Improvisation/Jazz Vocalist, Class of 2017)

“I remember when I first met Nedelka Prescod, I happened to stumble across a show that was going on for one of her ensembles she taught during the semester. It was the summer of 2015, and I was attending the five-week summer program at Berklee College of Music, and ever since that day, she has been a true blessing to have in my life while I was a student at Berklee and she served as a missing piece that I didn’t know I needed. It was such a pleasure to learn and study under Professor Nedelka Prescod. We not only had interactions in the classroom, but we’ve worshipped together, gigged together, and would have days where we met up to have lunch and commune with one another. It both gave us a chance to get to know each other better, and she served a huge role as a mentor in my life, as I would turn to her to seek wisdom in the rough times I was going through. She saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself, and really helped strengthen my confidence in developing who I was as a vocalist/musician. I am forever grateful for Nedelka, and all the great times we shared together. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and stands as an extraordinary teacher, musician, and mentor.”

Britani Washington (Berklee College of Music, Class of 2019)

“Meeting Nedelka Prescod was one of the most pivotal moments in my life, career and mindset. Its not her exceptional skill that separates her from everyone else; its the values that shape her character and being that is so powerful. In the short time I’ve known Nedelka Prescod, she has demonstrated nothing less than excellence in the highest meaning of the word, compassion for each and everyone she associates with, vibrance in her work which is palpable in the music she produces, and most of all her love and belief in sustaining humanity. And that is one of the most amazing aspects of Nedelka’s educational process: she believes that art and humanity are one in the same. And that we as individuals, as people, as communities part of an energy that is omnipotent, omniscient and ubiquitous in all things. She has taught me how much space there is available to us, and yet how vital one’s contributions are to the whole. Nedelka isn’t one of those people you are reminded of everyday; she is a constant, resounding message that we all are special and we all have unlimited potential. So no, you won’t just remember Nedelka Prescod. Your character, values and bountiful life you were destined to lead will be transcended the moment you meet her. I have never been so confident about the character and brilliance of another human being.”

Evan Wright (New England Conservatory Jazz Vocalist and Composer, Class of 2020)

“My time in college was a complicated time where I was really down on myself, but I had a few professors that helped me keep my head above water. Nedelka Prescod was one of those. When she looks at you, she sees you. When she listens to you, she hears you. Nedelka gave me a place where I could feel safe as an imperfect musician and human being, while still challenging me to treat my work with respect and aim higher. In an environment where I felt like nothing, she gave me everything.”

Allison RaRochelle (Berklee Vocalist/Songwriter, Class of 2017)

“Studying with Nedelka Prescod has changed the way I think about singing and improvising in ways that have freed me up to really use my instrument to speak what I feel. Nedelka fosters a sense of deep responsibility in the learning environment- for both the music and for the process and it inspires one to not only dig deeper into the music but to dig deeper inwardly. Her mastery of the voice is inspiring and her wisdom will stay with me, as a vocalist, forever.”

Olivia Liv Greene (NEC Singer/Songwriter, Class of 2020)