The Upper Primary program is designed for students in grades 4-6, or roughly 9-12 years old, reinforcing music fundamentals while pushing students to think more critically about classical music and its origins through different cultures throughout history. 

The curriculum for the Upper Primary program includes core courses in the Chorus and Music Literacy, and electives in Instrumental Exploration, one-to-one Instrumental Instruction, Ensemble Basics and Ear Training. 

Core Courses

Britten Chorus

Choral singing is one of the most basic, yet most important aspects of a music education for a young music learner. The benefits of choral participation go beyond the musical lessons being taught. For most students, choral singing is the first form of collaborative music making and will help them become part of a larger musical community with new friends.

The Britten chorus builds on the foundational elements of the younger Elgar chorus, and continues to focus on a healthy and fun approach to singing. The Britten chorus Introduced more advanced repertoire including songs from China and cultures around the world. The chorus has weekly rehearsals and two performances at TJS each year, and other performance opportunities throughout Tianjin.

Learning Objectives:

• Cultivate an aesthetic appreciation for choral listening
• Maintain healthy vocal usage during voice changes
• Adjust personal timbre in real-time based on heard choral effects
• Use appropriate timbre according to the musical style
• Perform more complex classical choral works with multiple voice parts
• Lead one's own voice section in practice as a section leader
• Conduct the choir

Music Literacy

Music Literacy is a comprehensive course that enhances sight-singing and ear training skills, music theory, and music history and culture. The course aims to inspire children's curiosity about music, cultivate musical sensitivity and imagination, and gradually develop their ability to express music, boosting their confidence in music but also laying a solid foundation for their future musical journey.

Learning Objectives:

• Study the timeline of classical music development and become familiar with composers and their works
• Listen to a wide range of classical music pieces and memorize the main themes of major works
• Identify the musical style and period to which a piece belongs; distinguish between instrumental timbres in monophonic and polyphonic works; analyze the form and content expression of pieces from the perspective of musical periods and styles
• Comprehensive application: create simple improvisations in the style of a specified period; compose simple two-part pieces using staff notation; perform polyphonic singing, etc.

Elective Courses

Instrument Exploration

Instrument Exploration introduces students to the wonderful world of western classical instruments. Students will explore various types of instruments, including string, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, and plucked string instruments. Through interactive and observational activities, students will learn the various nuances of how each instrument is played, how sound is produced, and the various timbres and tones of each instrument.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the primary instruments in the families of string, woodwind, brass, percussion instruments
• Hands-on experience with instruments
• Listen to live demonstrations by performing artists in the Tianjin Juilliard community
• Group ensemble training 

Instrumental Instruction

The most important aspect of instrumental training for young music learners is to set a solid foundation rooted in healthy playing in a fun and supportive learning atmosphere. All instrumental teachers are trained and certified by the Tianjin Juilliard School, and themselves are world-class performing artists who studied in conservatories throughout the world.  Lessons for this age group are 60 minutes and are offered in most areas, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp and voice.

Trial Lesson

Designed for students who remain undecided on selecting a primary instrument, this course offers 6 hands-on 30-minute sessions on an instrument with a single instructor, serving as a bridge to one-on-one instruction. Students must provide their own instruments, except for piano and harp.

Ensemble Basics  

Ensemble Basics builds a strong foundation in ensemble performance by systematically developing core competencies for collaborative music-making. Held within a supportive, artistically enriching environment, the course fosters teamwork and empowers students to grow into well-rounded musicians.  

Under the mentorship of experienced chamber musicians, students build their confidence and practical musicianship in preparation for advanced chamber music studies in the future.

Priority for this course will be given to students enrolled in Instrumental Instruction and who have passed the video selection.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental concepts, history, and repertoire of chamber music, and recognize its unique role in classical music performance.
• Master basic ensemble skills, including listening, balance, blend, intonation, and rhythmic precision, which are essential for playing in small groups.  
• Learn standard rehearsal techniques, communication strategies, and musical leadership skills to effectively collaborate with other musicians.  
• Develop the ability to analyze chamber music scores, interpret musical ideas, and make thoughtful artistic decisions as part of an ensemble.  
• Build confidence and readiness for future chamber music coaching, rehearsals, and performances in advanced programs.

Ear Training  

Ear Training is a comprehensive course that mainly focus on systematic ear training (solfeggio), based on the celebrated curriculum offered by The Juilliard School in New York and Tianjin. The course cultivates musicianship by developing analytical and listening skills that connect to their instrumental learning. The various activities aid students in refining pitch and rhythm performance skills. Students learn to recognize and react to harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures through recitation and dictation.  

As an integral part of musical training, ear training helps students internalize music in all dimensions, fostering well-rounded, independent musicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Systematically study and master the theoretical knowledge of and develop the aural connection with rhythm, melody, intervals, scales, triads, and seventh chords;
• Learn the four clefs: treble, alto, tenor, and bass, and read and sing music in all four clefs proficiently.
• Intensive listening: pitch, rhythm, interval, chord, etc.
• Introduce the basics of harmony and counterpoint. 

Learn more about the Music Development Program teachers

Lessons and classes for Upper Primary program are held every Sunday morning between September and June, according to the academic calendar. The proposed teaching schedule for the 2026-2027 academic year is from 13:00 – 17:00.

Please note that one-to-one instrumental instruction is scheduled outside of this time based on the teacher’s availability.

Please click here to start your application. 

To join the MDP Upper Primary program, students must be between 9 and 12 years old and pass an entry assessment. After completing the application, applicants will be contacted via email. The assessment can be conducted online or in person during Open Day events. The assessment fee for the Music Development Program is 100 RMB.

Audition requirement includes:

• A self-selected solo singing piece
• Melody imitation
• Sight-singing

*Students applying for Instrumental Instruction should prepare the following materials to submit:

• The student's personal resume
• Recent performance videos including two contrasting pieces

*Contrasting pieces: Two pieces composed by different composers with distinctly contrasting styles; for example, an Allegro and an Adagio movement from the same sonata. 

Students interested in one-on-one Instrumental Instruction may apply for a consultative lesson with the corresponding teacher. Scheduling of the consultative lesson will depend on the teacher’s availability and other factors. Each consultative lesson lasts 30 to 60 minutes and costs RMB 500 to 1,000. Students who wish to apply for a consultative lesson may contact the Tianjin Juilliard Public Education Office.

*The curriculum is structured around a “Core + Elective” model, in which students should complete core courses while also selecting at least one elective course. 

For more information about the curriculum, or to apply for the Tianjin Juilliard School Music Development Program, please scan the QR code to add the Public Education WeCom.