The Lower Primary program is specially designed for students in grades 1-3, or roughly ages 6-9 years old, inspiring curiosity about the world of music while providing a solid foundation of musical understanding. Through singing, fundamental skills training, and instrument playing, students will enhance their knowledge through rich, interactive experiences. 

The curriculum for the Lower Primary program includes compulsory courses in the Elgar Chorus, Music Literacy, as well as Instrumental Exploration and/or one-to-one Instrumental Instruction (must choose one or both).

Elgar 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 Elgar chorus focuses on a healthy and fun approach to singing, introducing students to a diverse 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:

• Establishing polyphonic auditory thinking
• Cultivating healthy singing breath and vocal habits
• Learning to follow conducting cues
• Performing choral pieces with two to three voice parts

Music Literacy (Beginner's Level)

Music Literacy is a comprehensive course that enhances sight-singing and ear training skills, music theory, and music history and culture. The courses 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:

• Learning the fundamental components of music
• Understanding the relationship between music and other art forms such as painting, dance, literature, and drama to enhance artistic sensibility
• Mastering rhythm, tempo, melody, intervals, chords, and scales through exercises in listening, singing, reading, and writing
• Analyzing the structure of musical compositions
• Comprehensive application: collective composition, improvisation, and performing in multiple voice within choral or instrumental ensembles

Instrument Exploration

Instrument Exploration is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 8 years old, introducing them to the wonderful world of Western classical instruments. This is a 30-week course divided into two semesters. 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

One-on-one Instrumental Instruction (minimum 30 minutes)

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 begin at 30 minutes, but can be expanded with the agreement of the teacher. Lessons are offered in most areas, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp.

Learn more about the Music Development Program teachers

Lessons and classes for Lower Primary are held every Sunday morning between September and May, according to the academic calendar . The proposed teaching schedule for the 2024 academic year is from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

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

To join the MDP Lower Primary, students must be between 6 and 8 years old and pass an entry assessment. The assessment includes:

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

*Students applying for Instrumental Instruction should send the following materials to MDP@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn:

• The student's personal resume
• The Student Information Form (please download, fill in the required information, and save the file with the student's name)
• Recent performance videos including 1 to 2 pieces

The entrance registration fee for the Music Development Program is 50 RMB. Please click here to register for the exam.

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.