1. Three contrasting scores composed within the last three years

• You must upload your full score for each composition. 
  • Optional excerpt: You may highlight a specific excerpt from each piece by uploading a file that starts with the excerpt and is then followed by the full work
    1. Please add a blank page between the excerpt and the full score within the file. 
    2. The excerpt must be clearly titled with the timestamp for the recording. Example: Excerpt from String Quartet No 1, mov II: 7:36-11:42
• Scores must be uploaded in PDF format 
• Upload and arrange your scores so that the file that represents your best work is first.

2. Audio recordings of each score

• Recordings may be live or digital realizations and must be clearly labeled with title and date of composition. Example: “String Quartet No 1 (2018)”
  • Optional excerpt: As noted above, you may highlight a specific excerpt from each piece.
    1. Please use the “Description” section once the recording has uploaded to designate the timestamp for the excerpt that matches the timestamp in the title of your excerpt.

3. A short written statement which describes the scores or the process of composing the scores.

4. A complete listing of your compositions with instrumentation, duration, and dates of performance.

Your audition consists of a musicianship exam and interviews with each of the faculty members. Interviews for Tianjin Juilliard’s Master of Music in composition may be held online or in person.

Exam

All applicants will be scheduled for musicianship testing in score analysis, rhythmic dictation, harmonic analysis, counterpoint, and score identification. The exam will be given through an online system on a specific date and time a few days before interviews begin. Information regarding account set up and timing will be sent following interview invitations.

Interview

• Applicants invited to the in-person auditions will be scheduled for individual interviews with each member of the composition faculty.
  • Prior to the interview, all invited applicants must submit one new work (scores and recordings, different from the three works submitted for pre-screening) to their application status page. The interviews will include a discussion of all scores submitted, including the scores from the prescreening. 
  • If interviewing in person, applicants must bring one hard copy of each of their scores for the interview and ensure that all recordings have been uploaded to their application status page.

• Can I submit midi recordings? Yes, but live recordings are preferred.
• Do I need to be the one performing my pieces? No. Recordings are in support of your original scores and may be live music or digital realizations of your works.
• What does “contrasting” mean?
  • Applicants are encouraged to submit a varied portfolio of their best work

  • Works must have been written for different ensembles or solo instruments or voices.

• Would Tianjin Juilliard accept an electro-acoustic work with score and recording? Yes.

• Do I need to be prepared to perform on my primary instrument? No.

• Can I include other pieces outside of my own? No.

Juilliard’s tradition of composition pedagogy is defined by an open approach to style and a focus on collaboration, technique, and artistry. The Tianjin Juilliard master’s program in composition represents a unique opportunity to study in China’s dynamic contemporary music environment. 

Students will study with an internationally renowned composition faculty that features members of the Juilliard New York faculty, distinguished guest instructors, and Tianjin Juilliard’s resident composition faculty Niccolo Athens. The 2026-27 TJS composition faculty includes Chinese American composers Chen Yi and Zhou Long, and Juilliard composition faculty members Amy Beth Kirsten, David Serkin Ludwig, and Nina Young. Lessons will be offered in person and remotely.

Additional guest faculty appointments will be announced at a later date.

Join us for opportunities to collaborate with some of the best young musicians in the world. 

The minimum residency to complete the program is two years. Extensions to the normal residency are only granted for valid reasons and may affect financial aid eligibility.

To learn more about the procedures for starting your application, including eligibility, timeline, application materials, audition requirements and more, please visit Application Procedures. 

To learn more about tuition and scholarship policies, please visit Tuition and Scholarship. 

To get the latest information on graduate admissions events, please visit Admission Events.