The Tianjin Juilliard School’s mission is to train musicians who will become global ambassadors in their respective fields, and English proficiency is a key component of this international status. English is the medium of instruction at Tianjin Juilliard, and specialist language and academic skills support is a central feature of the Tianjin Juilliard experience.  

About Academic Communication and English (ACE)

ACE is for students who have been admitted to The Tianjin Juilliard School’s MM degree programs, but whose English is not at the level required for direct entry to the MM. ACE is a qualifying requirement for the MM degree. Completing ACE is necessary for students to obtain their degree. 

All students accepted with the ACE requirement must enroll in the course ACE – Critical Thinking and Presentation in an American Conservatory, which is offered only the fall semester. Below is a description of the course: 

In this course, students undertake a group research project that investigates a work from classical music repertoire and collaboratively present their findings to peers and faculty. Alongside developing language skills necessary to communicate about music in an academic discourse common in an American conservatory like Juilliard, the course aims to introduce students to a thinking musician’s approach to how music is performed interpretatively and artistically. Outcomes of this course include deep learning about repertoire and the acquisition and demonstration of a variety of academic skills including curious and critical thinking skills, collaboration and leadership-development skills, library and research skills, presentation skills, note-taking and information management skills, independent working and time management skills, the ability to read critically a variety of academic texts, and understanding of academic integrity. 

ACCESS Center supports ACE students during the academic year. ACCESS Center peer tutors offer sessions to practice speaking and reading.  ACE students can also practice writing with an online writing coach and participate in occasional skills-based workshops or language-themed activities that engage the Tianjin Juilliard community. See ACCESS Center for more information.