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 June, according to the academic calendar . The proposed teaching schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year is from 9:20 to 13:00.

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

The registration fee for the Music Development Program is 100 RMB. Please click here to register for the exam.

*Students who do not pass the assessment may join the prep program and retake the test after one or two semesters of study. Upon passing, they may be admitted to the regular program.

Primary school students in the younger age group may apply for one-on-one Instrumental Instruction (30 minutes or 1 hour). We accept applications from students in this age range with no prior instrumental learning experience. These students do not need to submit an audition recording but may be invited to meet and discuss with an instrumental instructor (time to be determined). Admission to the Instrumental Instruction will be based on the teacher's feedback.

Students with prior instrumental learning experience are required to submit a performance video (at least one minute in length) that best demonstrates their current level, along with a resume detailing their musical background. All application materials should be shared via the admission system.

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.

*One semester comprises 15 classes. Chorus, Music Literacy, Instrument Exploration, English for Musical Purposes, Instrument Instruction are charged based on 15 - class sessions, unless otherwise noted.

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.

The Secondary program for students in grades 7 and above, or ages 12-18 years old, is designed for students who are passionate about music and are interested in learning professional level content in a nurturing, supportive environment. The Secondary MDP community allows like-minded students to connect, collaborate and learn together about a topic they love. The courses can prepare students for more serious musical studies at the collegiate level, either domestically and internationally.

The compulsory classes for the Secondary program include one-to-one instrumental instruction, Music Literacy, and English for Musical Purposes. Students may also elect to join the Britten Chorus.

One-to-one 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, and harp.

Music Literacy (Advanced Level)

Music Literacy at the Secondary level is a comprehensive course that incorporates professional-level ear training (solfeggio) and music theory, 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 perfecting pitch and rhythm performance skills. Students learn to recognize and react to harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures through recitation and dictation. 

Learning Objectives:

• Systematically study and master the theoretical knowledge of and develop the aural connection with rhythm, melody, intervals, scales, triads, and seventh chords;
• Introduce the basics of harmony and counterpoint;
• Apply theoretical knowledge learnt to analyze compositions and guide performance.
• Listen to a wide range of classical music, identify characteristics of different periods and instruments, acquire to score-reading skills, and understand the connection between music and its socio-historical context; 
• Comprehensive application: use theoretical knowledge for single/multi-voice composition; independently complete academic presentations and essays related to course knowledge; collaborate to perform multi-voice singing/playing.

Musical English

Both "language" and "music" are bridges for connection and cultural exchange. Musical English focuses on English education within the context of music learning and is taught by teachers with backgrounds in both music and language education.

This course aims to cultivate the language skills required in professional musical practice and broader music appreciation, enabling students to communicate effectively with their teachers and classmates. It fosters their growth as a globally-minded thinker and prepares them embrace diverse cultures. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand, accumulate and actively use the musical terms needed by professional musicians
• Build the confidence of using English language to share music knowledge, experience and personal understandings with others
• To develop students’ cross-cultural awareness in international music learning contexts
• Explore the connection between music and oneself using English
• Discover interesting people, stories, learning, and growth within the music community
• Learn to collaborate and communicate in an English environment while making music together
• Narrate the timeline of music development

Britten Chorus (Elective)

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

Learn more about the Music Development Program teachers

Lessons and classes for Secondary program are held every Sunday morning between September and June, according to the academic calendar. The proposed teaching schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year is from 13:00 to 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 Secondary program, students must be between 12 and 18 years old and pass an entry assessment. After completing the application, students will be contacted via email for submitting the following required materials. The registration fee for the Music Development Program is 100 RMB.

• 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 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.

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.

Music Essentials creates a comprehensive foundation to music delivered in an age-appropriate way – from 3 to 6 years old– through experiential-based lessons and activities in music performance, singing, moving, playing and creating, and offers a progressive experience for young music learners. 

The MEC is developed by an international curriculum team of leading experts in the fields of early childhood development, music education, and pedagogy, including advisors from The Juilliard School in New York.  

Learn more about the Music Essentials Curriculum.

Choral singing is an important part of music education, and the Tianjin Juilliard MDP Chorus brings together talented young students to our campus to receive high-quality choral training and music education on Sunday. Students are guided by an internationally trained teaching team and rehearse a wide selection of representative repertoire around the world. 

Choral rehearsals will guide students to  

• express their inner voice and explore the infinite possibilities of human singing.  
• learn and perform choral pieces from different styles and ages, thus deepening their understanding of the musical world. 
• find their role in a team, learn to collaborate with their peers. 
• accumulate performing experience and foster leadership skills through a variety of performance opportunities. 

The MDP Chorus is divided into the Elgar Chorus for students aged 6-8, and the Britten Chorus for students aged 9-18.
 

Music Literacy is a fundamental program designed for MDP students to develop a systematic understanding of classical music. The curriculum includes music theory, music history, and ear training skills. Through studying a wide range of renowned musical works from various eras and cultures, students receive both cognitive and emotional preparation to their musical success. Students learn to listen actively by accumulating musical knowledge, developing a keen sense of music, and fostering a boundless imagination.

MDP Instrumental Instruction is a one-to-one instrumental training program taught weekly by the Tianjin Juilliard School teachers, focusing on building exceptional instrumental skills in young students, currently offering piano, violin, viola, cello and flute lessons. 

This program is available to students aged 6 to 18 years who have an interest in music study and have reached an advanced beginner (or higher) level on their instruments. 

Instrumental lessons offer students an enhanced connection to music and the opportunities to study with the Tianjin Juilliard teachers, listen to master classes and perform on the Tianjin Juilliard stages. For students who wish to further pursue music as a professional career, the MDP Instrumental Instruction also offers a unique pathway that links to the Tianjin Juilliard Pre-College.
 

The Instrument Exploration course is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 8, aiming to introduce them to the enchanting world of Western classical instruments. This 30-week program, divided into two semesters, allows students to delve into various instrument families, including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboards, and plucked strings. Through interactive exploration activities, hands-on experience, and performances, children will discover their favorite instrument and proceed with their musical journey. This program also enhances their listening and appreciation skills for classical music, fostering a lifelong love for music.

Both language and music are bridges that connect and help share culture. English for Musical Purposes is a unique program focusing on English for music study, taught by teachers with both language education and musical backgrounds. The curriculum develops language skills for professional musical practice and broader music appreciation, enabling students to communicate with professionals and peers, thrive in their international music learning journey, and become more open-minded to the multicultural world.

The Music Development Program curriculum is designed by a team of renowned experts, combining the best of Eastern and Western music education. All courses are delivered by internationally minded teachers endorsed by The Tianjin Juilliard School. These educators are performing artists and hold advanced degrees from prestigious international universities and conservatories. They are further supported by the resident faculty at Tianjin Juilliard. 

To learn more about our esteemed teaching team, please visit Music Development Program Teachers.

As a recognition of their efforts and hard work, students who successfully participate in a full academic year of classes, rehearsals, lessons, and assessments receive an annual Certificate of Completion from the Tianjin Juilliard Public Education.

An important aspect of the Music Development Program curriculum are performance opportunities. Performances are milestones in every student’s musical journey, offering a platform to showcase their progress and accomplishments, as well as fostering a sense of achievement and building confidence. Students can participate in performances in one of several concerts taking place on Tianjin Juilliard stages, or throughout the Tianjin community.

Students and parents of the Music Development Program are entitled to the following benefits associated with The Tianjin Juilliard School:

• Free access to master classes
• Free access to internal recitals and rehearsals
• Free access to online events and resources
• TJS member discount on store merchandise and concert tickets