The Performer's Certificate Program is designed for gifted musicians with undergraduate, or graduate degrees or diplomas, who seek to pursue intensive study of their instrument and repertoire and deepen their collaborative skills, without undertaking a full or a second Master of Music degree. The program is offered in Orchestral Studies and Collaborative Piano. Poised to contribute to the changing landscape in Chinese music education and performing arts sectors, the curriculum is designed to meet the rising demands for collaborative musicians in China.

The performance requirements, depending on the major area of study, include activities such as orchestra, repertoire classes, chamber music, related vocal arts studies, professional internships, and community engagements projects.

Please note:

• The Performer's Certificate Program is a non-matriculated program.
• The Performer's Certificate Program is not transferrable to any other programs offered by Tianjin Juilliard. Applicants interested in the Master of Music degree program must re-apply and re-audition.

• To develop collaborative skills in advanced areas specific to each individual discipline
• To focus on intensive instrumental study
• To accumulate and deepen knowledge and study of repertoire
• To acquire necessary related skillsets and practical experiences to build a creative and sustainable career as a 21^st century musician
   

This is a one-year program that may not be extended. To earn the certificate, it is expected that all requirements in the Performer's Certificate Program will be completed within one year.

Curricular Requirements:

Orchestral Studies

• Regular orchestral readings, rehearsals, and performances of the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra

• Advanced orchestral skills such as section leading, sectional rehearsal techniques, advanced orchestral excerpts, conducting

• Studio instrumental lessons

• Audition opportunities and internships with professional orchestras

• Independent outreach projects under the mentorship of Tianjin Juilliard or guest faculty

Collaborative Piano*

• Two tracks are offered:

  • Concentration on vocal collaborative piano training with a focus on vocal and opera coaching

  • Combination of instrumental and vocal collaborative piano study

• Studio lessons and coachings with Tianjin Juilliard studio faculty, and a rotation of vocal coaches and chamber musicians

• Classes in related vocal arts study and practicums

• Performance opportunities in art songs and instrumental sonatas

• Studio accompanying internships (subject to studio availability)

• Opportunities to intern in professional opera companies and vocal festivals

• Independent outreach projects under the mentorship of Tianjin Juilliard or guest faculty

*This program is also open to graduates of the Tianjin Juilliard master’s program in collaborative piano as a third-year option.

The program duration will mirror that of the school.

1st Semester: September 1, 2025 - December 16, 2025

2nd Semester: January 9, 2026 - May 12, 2026

• Limited scholarships are available on a cases-by-case basis
• Housing, board and travel expenses are not covered

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 2026-2027 academic year.

Estimated Cost of Living (Chinese Nationals)

Estimated Cost of Living (International Students)

The Performer's Certificate Program application for Fall 2026 admission is now open. Click here to apply!

Eligibility

• At least four years of post-secondary, completed a bachelor's and/or master’s degree

• Successfully passed Tianjin Juilliard's audition process

• 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.

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, 2026. 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 PCP 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 Performer's Certificate 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 

Essay

Please write an essay stating what inspires you to apply to The Tianjin Juilliard School, and what are your learning and career goals.  The essay should be double-spaced, in a 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and about 500 words. Please note that essays must be written in English (not translated from another language) and be your own original work.

Recommendation

In your application you will be required to identify two individuals who will provide your recommendation. 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 of 94 TOEFL or 7.0 IELTS and above will be considered for admission to PCP. 

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.