Are you currently working as a musician, or are you a recent bachelor of music graduate? Is English not your first language? Are you thinking about studying a master’s degree in English in your future? Does doing a master’s degree in English worry you even though you’re musically ready to start? If you answered ‘Yes!’ to all of these questions, then studying on the EPM program might be the right thing for you.  

EPM is a one-year* program of professional language and musical skills development for any non-native speaker of English from anywhere in the world. The program is designed as an intensive language immersion + music and musicianship development program that unfolds in the English-language environment of The Tianjin Juilliard School, in China, without the pressure of every day high-stakes academic studies. It’s just the right type of program to get you ‘music and language-ready’ to attempt an application for future full-time master’s study at any English-as-language-of-instruction music conservatory, including Tianjin Juilliard. 

*EPM study begins in the summer months prior the academic year in which the program takes place. More about the schedule is below. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

• Especially if you have recently graduated with a bachelor of music, EPM is designed to serve as a “gap year” for people considering the next educational or professional step in their career as a classical musician.
• EPM is a non-matriculated program. This means that completing EPM does not lead to any other course or program, including the master of music, that is offered by The Tianjin Juilliard School.
• The EPM program is a stand-alone program offered only by The Tianjin Juilliard School. After completing EPM, if you are interested in further study at either The Juilliard School or The Tianjin Juilliard School e.g., master of music degree, you must re-apply and re-audition.
• The English classes of EPM will NOT train students how to improve their scores on the IELTS or TOEFL exams or administer practice tests related to these exams. If students are interested in this, they must pursue such study independently and outside of the EPM program, on their own time and at their own cost.
  • Recognizing that IELTS is a popular language proficiency test among EPM participants, the EPM program includes in its cost an IELTS Summer Boot Camp. The camp is provided by a third-party, Global Education, a company not affiliated with The Juilliard School or The Tianjin Juilliard School. The intent of the boot camp is to familiarize students with the IELTS test and provide opportunities for taking mock tests as a means to demonstrate progress toward achieving a target IELTS score that might be required to submit for a future master degree application. 

Eligibility for EPM 

There are three main requirements of eligibility. Applicants must: 

• possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree;
• be able to demonstrate by audition and be approved by Tianjin Juilliard faculty as having strong musical talent (equivalent to being musically admissible to The Tianjin Juilliard School’s Master of Music degree programs (Chamber Music Studies or Orchestral Studies); and
• have an English language score of TOEFL 31-79 (new TOEFL 2-4) or IELTS 4.0-5.5. 

Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn if you are unsure about your eligibility. 

EPM schedule for English language learning 

1. Summer

   EPM provides an intensive schedule of English language learning beginning from summer. When you must attend classes, and the type of classes you must take, depend on your English language score at the time of admittance to the program. Students will be divided into two groups as follows: 

   • Group 1: Students having English language scores of TOEFL 31-44 (new TOEFL 2-3) or IELTS 4.0-4.5 

   • Group 2: Students having English language scores of TOEFL 45-79 (new TOEFL 3-4) or IELTS 5.0-5.5 

Summer Schedule for Group 1

Summer Schedule for Group 2

   2. Fall and Spring

From the fall semester until the end of the EPM program in the spring semester, students from Group 1 and Group 2 will be combined into a single EPM class to continue their English language learning together. If there is a large number of students, we may use a placement test to divide you into smaller classes.  

Ninety-minute in-person classes are scheduled three days per week. 

What do I learn in the English classes? 

The aim of the English part of EPM is to help you acquire and practice general English in addition to musical English. Major curriculum areas include music performance and education (music terminology, talking about scores in English, etc.), collaboration, preparing for life in the English-language music conservatory, connecting communities, building cultural bridges, and developing creative, curious and critical thinking skills. 

Classes are interactive and engaging. Many lessons encourage students to work together to build community among learners and foster the development of collaborative skills necessary if you want to be a future orchestral or chamber music musician. 

Homework to review learning as well as activities to prepare you for the next class are regularly assigned. Students are also given assessments and projects which are graded. High grades, excellent class participation and regular attendance are required to receive the EPM certificate of completion.

ACCESS Center supports EPM students during their studies. ACCESS Center peer tutors offer sessions to practice speaking and reading.  EPM 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. 

How do I develop my music and musicianship skills? 

EPM students receive individual lessons from internationally-renowned music faculty. As a member of a studio, they also can participate in studio lessons and repertoire classes with peer musicians.  

There are also many opportunities to perform while you are an EPM student. The performance requirements, depending on the major instrumental area, include activities such as orchestra and ensemble classes, subject to institutional need and studio faculty approval.  

Optional (for additional fee) Music Development Electives

You can participate in electives such as Fundamentals of Music Theory, Music Exploration and Learning about Orchestral Repertoire, which are optional (for an additional fee) short courses offered by Tianjin Juilliard music faculty. Class sizes are small to maximize learning. Descriptions of these short courses and the fee information will be advertised during your studies at Tianjin Juilliard. If you are interested, you can register to participate on a first-come-first-served basis.  

EPM Certificate of Completion  

Students who satisfactorily complete all the music and English requirements of the EPM program are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. 

The certificate provides evidence that the bearer is a highly talented and motivated musician, and that they have attained a level of English language communication and critical thinking ability that would enable a successful start to learning in future graduate study at a music conservatory or university where the medium of instruction is English.  

The certificate of completion confers specific benefits for applicant to The Tianjin Juilliard School master degree programs. For example, holders of the certificate may be eligible for specific preferential considerations such as: 

• The requirement to sit the English Language Proficiency (ELP) interview of Tianjin Juilliard is waived; however, applicants must still submit an official English score e.g., IELTS or TOEFL that meets the regular entrance requirements of Tianjin Juilliard;
• The requirement to submit pre-screening videos of musical performance is waived; applicants are advanced automatically to the live audition round. 

The above benefits are granted at the sole discretion of The Tianjin Juilliard School based on its admissions policies in effect at the time of the applicant's submission and do not constitute a guarantee of admission, a contractual right, or a waiver of Tianjin Juilliard’s standard admission requirements, which may be modified by Tianjin Juilliard at any time. 

Cost of Living

In addition to tuition costs listed above, we have provided estimated costs for living expenses in Tianjin, including the cost of housing and health insurance. Please note that these are estimates provided for planning purposes only and are subject to change for the 2027-28 academic year.

Estimated Cost of Living (Chinese Nationals)

Estimated Cost of Living (International Students)

Please note that the application deadline for the Enrichment for Practicing Musicians program for Fall 2026 has now passed; however, applications are still being accepted for select instruments.

If you have questions about a late submission, please reach out to us at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn before attempting to start an application, and our team will be happy to advise.

Eligibility

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the time you matriculate (generally including at least 24 credits in liberal arts subjects)
• Musical training at a high level
• English language proficiency that meets our outlined requirements

Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn if you are unsure about your eligibility.

Fall 2027 Application Timeline
 

_{*Most Recent Official English Language Test Score: This test score must be delivered to us directly from the testing company but does not need to be passing: It will serve to indicate your most recent level of English language proficiency.}

The following items are only required if you are invited to a live audition:

<sub>*In order to be considered for institutional aid, you must fill out the CSS Profile with the institutional code 2356, found on the College Board website. Only those who pass pre-screening will be required to complete the CSS Profile, which must be completed by March 1, 2027. Please see the Scholarship page for more information.

**Final Official English Language Test Score: This test score must be delivered to us directly from the testing company and should meet our test score.</sub>

Application Materials

Online Application

To begin, create your Tianjin Juilliard admissions account, gather the required application materials, and follow the instructions to complete your application. 

Application Fee 

The 770 RMB* application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through your application status page upon submission of your application. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received.

_{*When paying with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal, the amount will be approximately $110 USD assuming an exchange rate of 7 RMB to $1 USD. The actual amount charged to your account may vary slightly due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.}

Guidelines for Pre-Screening Recordings 

All applicants to the EPM program are required to submit pre-screening recordings as part of their application. Faculty will review the recordings and, if you pass the pre-screening round, you will be invited to a final audition.

Pre-screening requirements and repertoire for the Enrichment for Practicing Musicians program is the same as for the Master of Music in Orchestral Studies. Please click here for a complete list of repertoire for all majors.

Artistic Résumé

Your Artistic Résumé should follow a general résumé format. The résumé should be 1-2 pages, and include the following information:

• Your educational background (including private teachers with whom you have studied)
• Significant performance experiences
• Professional orchestra and ensemble experiences (include chair/seating)
• Summer programs/festivals (include year(s) of attendance)
• Competitions, prizes and awards
• Any other information you would like to share with the Admissions Committee 

Transcripts

Transcripts are an important part of the decision process and help us determine if you are prepared to succeed in coursework at the graduate level. Transcripts for all post-secondary coursework, including all grades earned and courses in progress must be received by December 15, 2024. If you are currently enrolled in a program, this transcript should include your fall semester grades. The transcript may be an official copy sent directly by your institution. It can also be either a scanned copy of your transcript as provided to you by your school’s registrar or downloaded from your online student account. Please do not send screenshots. If you are choosing to upload scanned copies, they can be uploaded directly to your application status page after you submit your application. If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a translation.

Recommendations

In your application you will be required to identify two individuals who will provide your recommendations. These recommendations should:

• Be from a teacher, conductor, coach, or artistic mentor
• Address your talent and accomplishments
• Discuss the following individual characteristics that indicate potential for success in the field: perseverance, dedication, collegiality, and leadership

The recommendations are due February 15. Your recommenders will receive an email with a link to securely upload their recommendations to our application system. We will only accept recommendations received through our application system.

Final Auditions

Applicants who pass the pre-screening round will be invited to register for a final audition. Final auditions will take place in Tianjin and at select regional locations. Applicants unable to travel to a live audition location must contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn to discuss the circumstances and reasons they cannot audition live, and to request approval of an alternative audition modality.

Repertoire requirements, audition dates and locations are the same as for the Master of Music in Orchestral Studies for individuals.
Click here to learn more.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

The ability to communicate in English fluently, especially with a high degree of skill in speaking, listening, and reading, is an important factor in admissions decisions. We assess your English language abilities using the following criteria:

• The results of a standardized English language proficiency test, either TOEFL or IELTS
• Your previous academic record

Applicants with an official test score between 31-80 TOEFL or 4.0-6.0 IELTS will be considered for admission to EPM. An interview with the Director of English Language Studies may be required in certain circumstances.

Submitting Official Test Scores

The official test scores must be sent electronically directly from the testing company and received by the Office of Admissions at The Tianjin Juilliard School by the appropriate deadlines listed below. Please note that when requesting official test scores from the testing company, you should search for “Tianjin Juilliard” in the school list for score delivery. For TOEFL, you can also find us using the institution code C513. 

¹Most recent official test score: This test score must be sent to The Tianjin Juilliard School directly from the testing company but does not need to be passing. It will serve to indicate your most recent level of ELP.

²Final official test score: This test score must be delivered to Tianjin Juilliard directly from the testing company and should meet our test score requirements.
 

Consultative Lessons

Consultative lessons give you the opportunity to meet and work with Tianjin Juilliard faculty during the admissions process. Consultative lessons should be viewed as a way for you to learn about a teacher’s style and pedagogical approach; they are not mandatory, and do not influence admission.

The Tianjin Juilliard School offers consultative lessons based on faculty availability and other factors. Consultative lessons will generally take place on our new Tianjin campus. It may be possible to take an online lesson. The fee for a 60-minute lesson is 1800 RMB. To request a consultative lesson, please fill out a form here.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn.