Welcome New Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to America’s first trade school! We are excited to have you join our community this fall, and look forward to seeing you grow and develop your skills during your time training with us.
Here you’ll find information about what we need to get you started, how to prepare for your first day, and what to expect in the first few weeks of school. Please bookmark this page and refer to it as needed as we approach the start date.
Please note that the first day of class is Wednesday, September 4, with a required orientation for new students that begins at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 3.
Click the plus sign to expand these menus.
New Student Orientation and other events are designed to help you get familiar with the School. You’ll have the opportunity to meet NBSS staff, faculty, and your fellow students at Orientation, which is a required event. We’re also hosting a series of Virtual Check-Ins throughout the summer, where you can ask questions and meet fellow students.
- Virtual Check-Ins: Learn more about NBSS, meet other students, and ask questions of our staff during our series of Virtual Check-Ins throughout the summer. Register here to attend.
- Wednesday, June 12, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm ET
- Wednesday, July 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon ET
- Wednesday, August 14, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm ET
- New Student Orientation: An in-person event that takes place on Tuesday, September 3 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at our School facility, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109.
- Local tours: We are offering optional guided, small group tours of our building and of the North End neighborhood before Orientation, on Tuesday, September 3 from 9:00-11:00 am.
- Official first day: Your first day of training on Wednesday, September 4 will begin at different times according to your program hours, listed in the menus below.
Please fill out the Incoming Student Information Form by Monday, August 5, 2024. We must have this information from you before the start of school. That includes uploading a photo, which we use to make your student ID.
During your time at NBSS, we’ll communicate with you in a variety of ways, including emails and occasional texts, especially for weather-related cancellations or delays. You’re responsible for reading and understanding communications sent to you by NBSS. If your contact information changes (including email, mailing address, or cell phone number), please share it with us so you do not miss important notifications.
Please use our Payment Portal to pay your Registration Fee, Tuition Down Payment, and to set up a payment plan if necessary.
Your Student ID number can be found on the first page of your Enrollment Agreement, which was sent through DocuSign, which may be helpful as an email search reference. If you need assistance with your Student ID, please contact admissions@nbss.edu
If you have questions about payment or billing, please contact business@nbss.edu.
If you have questions about your Financial Aid Award or VA Benefits, please contact Jamie Dergay at jdergay@nbss.edu.
Students have the option of purchasing a semester-long (September 1 – December 31) MBTA pass from the School at an 11% discount. The deadline to order your fall pass is Monday, August 5, 2024. If you miss this order deadline, you can order a discounted winter/spring pass in the fall.
How to Order
- Fill out the Fall 2024 T-pass order form, which includes cost by zone and payment info.
- Return the form:
- Scan and email it to business@nbss.edu
- Print and mail it (include a check if that’s how you’re paying) to attn: Business Office, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109
- Drop it off in person at the front desk (include a check if that’s how you’re paying)
- Pay by check with your printed form, or through our online payment portal (use the one-time payment option). If you pay online, we also need you to submit the order form so we know your pass details.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcia Michelson at mmichelson@nbss.edu.
If you order a T pass, it will be available for pick up at the Front Desk after Thursday, August 29.
Daily Transit Resources
Check out information on our website to help with your commute. Given how difficult to find and expensive parking is in the North End, we recommend using public transportation if possible. Here are some transit tips:
- Use the MBTA Trip Planner to find your route options from home to school, including the type of Monthly Pass you’ll need.
- Find MBTA Maps here, including subway, bus, and Commuter Rail.
- The MBTA has many closures and service disruptions planned in the coming year for maintenance. Sign up for their text alerts to get the latest info.
As a student, you’ll get access to our password-protected Portal just for Students & Alumni. There, you can find important documents, a Classified Board for posting about roommates, housing, and opportunities, and a Jobs & Commissions Board with job openings and work available for hire or commission. You’ll be sent a log in link this summer. Once logged in, you can sign up for weekly digest alerts for posts in your discipline.
If you have questions or have trouble logging in, contact marketing@nbss.edu.
Visiting NBSS Before the Start
If you’re planning to be in Boston before the start date and would like to visit the School, please schedule a visit with Rob O’Dwyer in advance so he can plan accordingly.
Attendance
The building opens at 7:00 am on weekdays. This gives you time to get here and get settled in before class begins. We’ll use a proximity card reader at the front desk to take attendance once you’ve been issued a student ID card. Please be aware that your attendance is tracked and recorded on your transcript. We’re educating you for employment and, for future employers, your attendance record at NBSS translates to reliability during employment. Treat your time here as if it is your job, arriving on-time (or early), working hard, and communicating with us if you’re having trouble getting here.
Auxiliary Aids & Academic Adjustments
To better ensure that your training will be the best it can be, please contact provost@nbss.edu if there are any reasonable accommodations that you require (adaptations for your learning style, physical limitations, etc.) while you’re in school. In order to begin the process for possible accommodations your request must go through proper channels.
Student Support
Our School offers virtual career workshops, individual appointments, and other assistance to support you while attending NBSS. In addition to general resources, we provide the following:
- We hope to be able to provide mental health resources to students through the School from an outside organization. Stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, look at Appendix H, pages 61-63, in the Student Handbook for resources.
- A food pantry provides students with access to healthy food. Located outside of the Admissions suite on floor 1N, it provides a range of frozen meals, snacks, soups, and ingredients for larger meals. Please take only what you need.
Bicycles
For those planning to ride a bicycle to school, you are strongly encouraged to use a high quality lock (such as Kryptonite) when securing your bike. NBSS is not responsible for any bikes or bike equipment that may be stolen. Also, please note that bikes are not allowed in the building. There are two outdoor options: a vertical bike rack in the courtyard against the wall next to the ramp to the back entrance, and a rack on North Street, just across the street from the School’s front entrance.
Student IDs
All students are issued an identification card at the beginning of their program start date. ID cards may be used for student discounts and will be used to track attendance. If you have not already done so, please make sure that you include a photo when you submit the Incoming Student Information Form, as this photo will be used to create your student ID.
Daily Transit
Check out information on our website to help with your commute. Given how difficult to find and expensive parking is in the North End, we recommend using public transportation if possible. Here are some transit tips:
- Use the MBTA Trip Planner to find your route options from home to school, including the type of Monthly Pass you’ll need.
- Find MBTA Maps here, including subway, bus, and Commuter Rail.
- The MBTA has many closures and service disruptions planned in the coming year for maintenance. Sign up for their text alerts to get the latest info.
Student & Alumni Portal
As a student, you’ll get access to our password-protected Portal just for Students & Alumni. There, you can find important documents, a Classified Board for housing and opportunities, and a Jobs & Commissions Board with job openings and work available for hire or commission. You’ll be sent a log in link this summer. Once logged in, you can sign up for weekly digest alerts for posts in your discipline.
If you have questions or have trouble logging in, contact marketing@nbss.edu.
Resources
- Please familiarize yourself with our Student Handbook, which provides useful information such as academic policies and program expectations.
- Download our 2024-25 Academic Calendar.
- Check out our School Store, which is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm.
- Get your bearings with this building map.
- New to the North End? Check out this list of local sights & restaurants.
- Get to know our staff and faculty.
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
- Orientation Invitation
- Faculty Welcomes
- New Student Summer Newsletter
- Tool Kit Purchasing
- Provost Welcome
- Student Support & Career Services
Program-Specific Details + Tool Kits
Below are program-specific details that will help you prepare for your first day. Please contact admissions@nbss.edu for any general questions. For specific questions related to tool kits, please contact Kristen Odle in our Store at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Bookbinding faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Bookbinding Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online Store, to facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students. The kits are the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. Expect to pay about $370 for the kit.
- This list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with a solid foundation as you begin. You should expect other purchases of materials and tools outside of this starter kit.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins. If you already own tools and want to bring them with you, Jeff will help you reconcile them with the full Tool List.
On the first day you will only need a few things:
- Note taking materials
- Closed toe shoes (always in the bindery)
- Padlock for your locker
GBW Membership
We suggest that you join The Guild of Book Workers (GBW), which is an excellent organization with many educational and networking opportunities. Student memberships are very reasonable. As a member of the national organization you may also join any of the regional chapters for only $10 each. The New England Chapter is very active.
Also, the annual GBW conference, Standards of Excellence, will be held from November 7-9, 202 in Providence, RI. Many students go, and it is a great opportunity to meet and connect with alumni and industry professionals, especially since it’s so close this year!
Books
For those that just can’t wait to get started on school work here are some fantastic August beach reads:
- Middleton, Bernard. History of English Craft Bookbinding Technique. This is a very detailed book that you may find overwhelming at first but you will find yourself consulting this book many times over the course of your career.
- Miller, Julia. Books Will Speak Plain: A Handbook for Identifying and Describing Historical Bindings. The first several chapters are an easy read for an overview of the history of bookbinding. Good foundation to start the program with some context.
- Szirmai, J. A. The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding. Read chapters 1 through 4 and Chapter 10 to start. That will really help you within the first few weeks of school!
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Cabinet & Furniture Making faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Cabinet & Furniture Making Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store, to facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students. The kits are recommended as the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. Expect to pay about $750 for the starter kit.
- This list has been reviewed by your instructors and will provide you with the required tools for the first few weeks of instruction. You can expect additional purchases throughout the program.
- Your instructor will be reviewing a full Tool List during the first few days of class. We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins.
- Those of you who already own hand tools may bring them in on the first day of class (Wednesday) so that we can review them with you, or you may wait until we’ve reviewed the tool list in class. You will receive fair warning when specific tools are necessary so that you will have time to purchase them and bring them to class.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
You will need to have the following items for the first day of class. Note: if you purchase the Starter Kit, items 4-8 are included in the kit.
- A loose leaf 3-ring binder for handouts
- Paper or a notebook for taking notes
- Pencil or pen for taking notes
- Drafting pencil or lead and holder in 4H hardness
- Eraser: Paper Mate® Pink Pearl and/or Mars® Plastic
- Erasing shield
- Drafting Triangles: 30/60/90 & 45 degree (standard size 10”-12”)
- Architect’s Drafting Scale: 12”
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Class Hours
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Carpentry faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- One of the first things you need is your Carpentry Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online Store. It includes all tools required for your program, and this list has been reviewed by your instructor to provide you with a solid foundation for the program as well as your career.
- You should expect to spend about $3,600 total on tools and books.
- Everyone must have their tools for the first day of class. It is important that your kit is waiting for you at school on your first day and to ensure this, you must order no later than a week before school starts.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- A tool belt is not included in your tool kit. You must purchase one that is comfortable for you. Take a look at this video for advice on what to look for in a tool belt.
- You need to have sturdy work boots or sturdy trail-runner style shoes (at the shop and on worksites). Please wear them for the first day of class.
- During the first few days, we’ll talk about the year ahead and your upcoming projects while also diving into the safe and effective use of hand tools, starting with your tool kit.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Math Preparation
- To hit the ground running at the beginning of the year, we are providing a Carpentry Math book (pdf) for your review. We feel strongly that each student has a working understanding of the math used in carpentry. Some of you may have just recently taken applicable classes and others may need to dust off their skills, but we hope this workbook can help get everyone up to speed. We recommend working through each section’s problems and then review the answers provided in the back.
- During the first week of class, we will have a 45 minute assessment test so we can determine where we should focus during the year. For additional practice, we have provided a Practice Test 1 (pdf) with answers as a guide.
- If you have any questions on the specific content, feel free to reach out to our Teaching Assistant Laurie Vance at LVance@nbss.edu.
Offsite Work
- It is important to note that you’ll need to get to and from any project site we’re working at throughout the year. We do not provide transportation to project sites.
- For this academic year, you should anticipate traveling to areas outside of Metro Boston. Job sites in the past have included Canton, Hanover, Norwell, and Dorchester. You’ll get more information the first week of school.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Learn more about Jewelry Making & Repair faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Jewelry Making & Repair Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store, to facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students. The kits are recommended as the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials.
- This list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with the essential requirements for the start of your program and your career. You can expect additional purchases throughout the program. You should expect to spend about $200 total on tools and books.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- Your instructor will be reviewing a full Tool List during the first few days of class. We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins. If you already own tools and want to bring them with you, your instructor will help you reconcile them with the full Tool List.
- On Orientation day and beyond, bring a notebook or paper and a pen or pencil for taking notes.
- Please note that in the first couple of weeks of school, there will be a series of reading assignments, so plan on allowing for ample time to read them.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Locksmithing & Security Technology faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Locksmithing & Security Technology Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store. It details all tools required for your program. Please come prepared to pay around $1,900 for these tools.
- This list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with a solid foundation for the program as well as your career.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- The only items you need to bring on Orientation Day are a notebook or paper and pen or pencil for note taking.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Piano Technology faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- Our faculty have put together a Basic Piano Technology Tool Kit for purchase through our online store or when you arrive your first week. These are not all the tools you will need as a practicing technician, but a good starter set that will get you through the school year. Note that this kit does not include your tuning hammer (more below).
- Tools will be handed out as needed over the course of the year. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- If you already have a set of tools, please email piano@nbss.edu as soon as possible so we can have a conversation about what other tools you might need.
- We offer a variety of tuning hammers for you to try throughout the fall. Once you have found one that you like, you can then order your own. We expect everyone to have their own tuning hammer by the time they return to class after the Winter Break. Tuning hammers can cost anywhere from $75-$500+.
- We will have basic eye safety glasses that everyone can share. It is recommended that you purchase your own.
- You will need a large three-ring binder with dividers. Laptops are ok for note taking, but there are a lot of three-hole punched handouts.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Field Trips
- There may be field trips to Steinway and Mason & Hamlin in the spring, plus other local piano technicians throughout the year. You are expected to provide your own transportation and cover your own costs. Attendance at Boston Chapter PTG meetings is highly recommended.
- There may be a regional Piano Technicians Guild conference in the summer. Students receive a registration discount and some assistance from NBSS, but you will need money for hotel, food, and transportation; figure around $500. Plan for it now! We encourage all students to attend—there are lots of classes and it is a great opportunity to meet other technicians and browse the exhibit hall.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Piano Technology faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
First Day of Class
- We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 4 for the first day of classes, which will be a regular full day. For those who are not 2024 Basic Piano Technology graduates, we welcome you to come to Orientation day on Tuesday, September 3 at 11:00 am to get reacquainted with the School.
Tools & Supplies
- Our Advanced Piano Technology Tool Kit (pdf) is available for purchase through our online store. Expect to pay about $650 for your tool kit.
- This kit has been created by your instructors and will provide you with a solid foundation for the Advanced Piano Technology program and your career going forward.
- In an effort to prevent delays to the start of your program, it is highly recommended that you purchase this tool kit. Any requests for substitutions must be reviewed by your instructors prior to the start of school.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- Be prepared to spend an additional $600 on tools and supplies over the course of the year.
- Hearing protection will be provided in the form of foam earplugs. If you desire or require different hearing protection, you will need to provide it for yourself.
- We will have basic eye safety glasses that everyone can share. It is recommended that you purchase your own.
- A camera is highly recommended, the camera on your phone or tablet is fine.
- Everyone is assigned a locker; you must provide the lock.
- We do not require textbooks—you will be expected to keep and organize your own notebook or binder. Laptops/tablets are ok for note taking. There will be hand-outs and reading assignments may be given throughout the year.
Field Trips
- There may be field trips to Steinway and Mason & Hamlin in the spring, plus other local piano technicians throughout the year. You are expected to provide your own transportation and cover your own costs. Attendance at Boston Chapter PTG meetings is highly recommended.
- There may be a regional Piano Technicians Guild conference in the summer. Students receive a registration discount and some assistance from NBSS, but you will need money for hotel, food, and transportation; figure around $500. Plan for it now! We encourage all students to attend—there are lots of classes and it is a great opportunity to meet other technicians and browse the exhibit hall.
Class Hours
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Preservation Carpentry faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Preservation Carpentry Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store. These Kits are recommended as they are the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. The tool list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with the required tools for the first few weeks of instruction. Expect to pay about $280 for your starter tool kit.
- Your instructor will be reviewing a full Tool List during the first few days of class. We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins. If you already own hand (non-powered) tools, bring them in on your first day of class (Wednesday) so that your faculty can review them with you.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- You can expect additional purchases as the program progresses.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
While we’ll discuss all of the safety gear you’ll need while at NBSS, you’ll need to have the following safety equipment for the first day of class:
- Safety glasses to be worn at all times in the shop or during site work
- Hearing protection
- Work gloves
- Sturdy work boots (at the shop and on site)
Offsite Work
- During the first few days, we will talk about the year ahead and our upcoming projects. A few of these projects will be off-site and you’ll need to commute to these sites each day for what might be from a few days to a few weeks.
- Note that we do not provide transportation to project sites.
Class Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Instructors
Learn more about Violin Making & Repair faculty
Faculty Welcome Letter Fall 2024
Tools & Supplies
- We’ve put together a Violin Making & Repair Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store. The Tool Kits facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students and are recommended as they are the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. Expect to pay about $2,400 for your starter kit.
- The tool list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with the essential requirements for the start of your program as well as your career.
- If purchased by August 26, 2024, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
- If you already own tools, you may bring them in on your first full day of class, so that Roman can review them with you, or you may wait until your class has reviewed the tool list.
- Expect to spend up to $2,200 on tools right away, and a total of around $2,900 on tools over the three years.
- Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.
Questions?
Admissions Office
C 617-513-5848
admissions@nbss.edu
Provost’s Office
T 617.227.0155 x200
provost@nbss.edu
Student Support & Career Services Office
T 617.227.0155 x112
studentlife@nbss.edu
Financial Aid Office
T 617-227-0155 x111
financialaid@nbss.edu
FAQs
If you have questions about your financial aid, please reach out to Jamie Dergay, Director of Financial Aid, at financialaid@nbss.edu or 617-227-0155 x115. His office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
If you would like to visit the School before Orientation, please schedule an appointment with Rob O’Dwyer in advance so he can plan accordingly.
We have put together Tool Kits or Starter Tool Kits, depending on your program, which are available for purchase in our online store. Scroll above to find the plus sign by your program to find the buy link and all the information you’ll need to know about tools.
Your instructor will review a full Tool List during the first few days of class and will help you reconcile what you have with that list. Those of you who already own tools may bring them in during the first week to review them with your instructor.
For more information on tools specifically for your program, scroll above and click the plus sign by your program name.
Scroll above to the Program-specific details for your program to find that information. For many programs you just need a pencil and paper for taking notes, but for some programs there are a few tools or supplies you’ll need (like Carpentry, where you need to purchase your tool kit the week before).
You should also plan to wear closed-toe shoes, attire you can work in, and ability to tie back long hair.