Studio and Classroom Faculty Information for Pre-College
Studio and Classroom Faculty Teaching Schedules
The Pre-College office schedules lesson times and will send teaching schedules to faculty by email.
Change of Major Teacher
- Teacher’s initiative: The teacher must notify the student personally of the intention to discontinue teaching as soon as possible after the May jury examination. Leading up to this announcement, the teacher should give warnings and indications throughout the semester, and the teacher’s concerns should be reflected in the semester grade. Under no circumstances will a teacher be permitted to discontinue a student after June 15 for the following school year.
- Student’s initiative: Changes may be made only between academic years. The students should discuss their desire to change studios with the Pre-College administration before contacting a prospective teacher. If a student approaches a faculty member who is not their current studio teacher about joining their studio, the faculty member must contact the Pre-College administration before making any commitment to the student.
Class Rosters
Pre-College class rosters for each academic year are emailed directly to faculty.
Attendance
The Pre-College allows student absences with proper advance notification.
- Students or parents are responsible for notifying the Pre-College Office, studio teachers, and chamber music coaches of absences by Tuesday before the Saturday absence.
- In the event of a sudden illness or emergency, students or parents are responsible for notifying the Pre-College Office, studio teachers, and chamber music coaches no later than 8:00 am on Saturday.
Students are in jeopardy of failing a course after accruing five or more absences, which includes any combination of absences and late arrivals. Please see the Pre-College Student Handbook for a detailed explanation of Pre-College attendance policies.
Music Juries
Juries (performance examinations) are required in the spring semester every academic year for all students except for graduating (12th grade) students. An average of the grades given by the adjudicating faculty will appear on the student's transcript in addition to a spring semester grade given by the student’s major teacher. Individual jury schedules are announced in May.
Leave of Absence Re-Entry Jury
Students who are granted a Leave of Absence will notify their wish to return by April 1. They are expected to present a re-entry jury in mid-late April, and will only be re-admitted into the Pre-College with a passing composite grade by a faculty jury panel. Students are recommended to continue taking lessons with their major teacher during the entire period of Leave of Absence. Major teachers should also help prepare students for their re-entry jury.
Participation in Entrance Auditions, Juries, and Required Recitals
All studio faculty members are expected to participate in students’ entrance auditions and juries. Auditions will be scheduled between January 15 and April 15 each year; specific dates will be published at least 6 months in advance and will managed by the Admissions Office. Jury dates can be found on each year’s academic calendar. It is the responsibility of faculty members to arrange their own schedules so that their availability for auditions and juries is protected.
Studio teachers are expected to attend their students’ required recitals as a significant component of their instruction and relationship with students.
Classroom Protocol
Any classroom behavior that interferes with the instructor’s ability to teach or distracts from the concentration of other students will not be tolerated. Such behavior may include: eating or drinking; talking to a neighbor in a disruptive manner; using electronic devices for non-academic purposes, including a cell phone; inappropriate language; physical violence of any kind; and arriving late and/or leaving early without permission. If actions detract from the learning of any other person in the class, the offender will be asked to leave class immediately. If the student continues to be disruptive and does not leave the room after being clearly told to do so, the teacher’s report to the Assistant Dean will place the student on disciplinary probation, with the potential of being dismissed from school.
Performance Registration
There are many performance opportunities for Pre-College students. It is the responsibility of the studio faculty to help guide their students to prepare and register for suitable performance opportunities and help maintain a high standard of performance. Each student should perform at least once each semester.
Course Evaluations
The Pre-College Office will be sending course evaluations to all students at the end of each year, giving the students an opportunity to provide feedback about the course and their teachers.
Faculty Software and Applications
Canvas
Canvas is an online learning management systems (LMS) embedded in Juilliard OKTA for faculty to share documents, post announcements and assignments, and keep track of teaching modules. Faculty could also use Canvas to take attendance if needed. Faculty could choose whether or not to use Canvas based on teaching habits and needs. The data in Canvas will be archived when semester ends.
Cadence
Cadence is the Student Information System (SIS) to keep track of student information, academic status, and grades. Faculty should upload student grades to Cadence by the end of each semester after the course ends.
Rooms, Facilities, and Piano Usage for Pre-College
Use of Studios and Rooms
Room assignments for lessons and classes are handled through the Pre-College Office. Please contact us directly if you have any special requests.
Faculty can access their assigned teaching studios/classrooms by swiping their ID card at the door. Access is granted by the Pre-College Office through Asimut, the room-booking system. For special room booking requests, such as large rehearsal halls, please contact the Pre-College Office for assistance.
Tianjin Juilliard spaces are to be used only by members of the Tianjin Juilliard community and for Tianjin Juilliard-related purposes. Note that Tianjin Juilliard faculty are not allowed to teach private students on the Tianjin Juilliard premises.
Faculty Lounge
The lounge outside of the Pre-College Office area on the second floor of Building C is for faculty. There is also a pantry with a coffee machine, refrigerator, and microwave.
Photocopying
Faculty are welcome to use the copy machine for school-related materials located throughout the school, and in the Library on the 4th floor during school hours. The copy machines can accommodate copying large scores and can forward scanned documents via email.
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies of other reproductions of copyrighted materials.
The School’s equipment may not be used for unauthorized photocopying. For more information, please see The School's Copyright and Fair Use Policy.
Piano and Harpsichord Moving and Maintenance
- All piano moving requests should be sent to the Tianjin Juilliard School head piano technician as well as to the Pre-College Office.
- Piano moving within a classroom or studio is not permitted.
- Moving concert grands from room to room or to an external location requires professional piano movers.
- To report piano damage or request piano maintenance, please email pianomaintenance@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn.
Staff Pianists
All TJS staff pianists are hired through a formal audition and interview process. The staff pianists are managed by TJS Staff Pianist Coordinator, Allie Su (allie.su@tianjinjuilliard.edu.cn). For any collaborative piano needs, please direct your questions to Allie Su who manages repertoire assignments and schedules.
Tuning
A=441 is the tuning standard for pianos at Tianjin Juilliard.
Standards and Regulations for Pre-College
Grading System
Students receive grades each semester for all of their classes. The grades will become part of the student’s permanent record. Grades are recorded as follows:
Letter Grades
A+ | |
A | |
A- | |
B+ | |
B | A grade of B in major lessons or juries warrants performance warning |
B- | A grade of B- or lower in major lessons or juries warrants performance probation |
C+ | |
C | |
C- | |
D | A grade of D or lower in any academic subject warrants academic warning |
F | A grade of F in any academic subject warrants academic probation |
Non-letter Grades
I | Incomplete |
IA | Insufficient Attendance |
P | Pass |
W | Withdrawn |
Satisfactory Progress
Students are expected to apply themselves seriously to their studies and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the standards of The Tianjin Juilliard School.
In order to maintain satisfactory progress, students must:
- Receive a B+ or above in their major area of study and on their jury
- Receive a C- or above in any other subjects
Grade Appeal
Students may contest a grade by writing to the Pre-College Assistant Dean after which they may be directed to consult with the faculty member to understand better the computation of the grade. Further appeal will be guided by the Assistant Dean.
Mid-Semester Reports
The purpose of the mid-semester report is to help the PC Administration become aware of any academic or behavioral issues when the semester is in progress and to gain insight on general student progress. A survey is sent out to all PC faculty in the middle of each semester. Faculty should provide clear and timely feedback. Should any issues require immediate attention, the PC Office will schedule a meeting with both the student and the parent to discuss the issues. The mid-semester meetings serve as a warning and a reminder, and no academic or probation status changes will be issued during the semester.
Graduating students
All graduating students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Graduation from the Pre-College Division provided they fulfill the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all required course work
- Satisfactory performance of a solo recital during their 12th grade year
- Recommendation by the faculty
Graduating students who do not fulfill these requirements will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Pre-College Commencement is usually held on the last day of the academic year.
Academic Standing
Students begin their studies at Tianjin Juilliard in good standing and are expected to maintain that status throughout their programs of study at the School. Should a student’s progress fall below departmental standards with respect to any aspect of the qualitative and quantitative review, the student will receive written notification of a change in enrollment status (warning or probation) as described below. Copies of such notifications are routinely shared with the major teacher.
Standard Categories of Disciplinary Action
Warning/Probation
If a student receives a grade lower than the required minimum, they may receive a letter of warning. Such a letter is normally issued at the close of the semester but may be issued at any time during the academic year. A warning indicates a severe lapse in performance nearly warranting probationary status.
A student may be placed on probation at any time for significant problems in meeting the artistic, technical, and/or professional requirements of their major field of study, including an unprofessional attitude toward class attendance or for a serious breach of ethical conduct.
Academic Warning and Probation
Students will be placed on academic warning if they receive a grade of D in any class other than their lesson or jury. Failure to correct the grade(s) the following semester will result in academic probation. A grade of F immediately places a student on academic probation. Failure to correct the grade(s) after one probationary semester may result in dismissal from the School.
Performance Warning and Probation
Students will be placed on performance warning if they receive a grade of B in their major or on their jury. If they receive a B- or lower, students will be placed on performance probation. If a probationary grade is given in the fall semester, failure to improve the grade to a minimum of a B in the spring semester or as a jury grade may result in dismissal.
If a probationary grade is given either in the spring semester or on the student’s jury at the end of the academic year, an additional jury will be assigned to the student at the end of the following fall semester. Failure to obtain a minimum of a B either as a semester grade or on the additional jury may result in mid-year dismissal.
Graduating students (grade 12) who are on performance probation may be restricted from Pre-College events, such as master classes and competitions. Non-graduating students on performance probation may also be restricted from giving a solo recital.
Dismissal
Students who do not meet The Tianjin Juilliard School’s standards may, at the School’s discretion, be subject to dismissal. A student may be asked to withdraw at any time if their attitude or conduct conflicts with the standards of the School, or if, by remaining enrolled, they endanger their own health or the health of others. Acts of cheating and vandalism are dismissible offenses.
Students who are dismissed are notified in a personal conference with the Associate Dean and Assistant Dean, and by written notification.
Standards of Academic Integrity
Academic misconduct and dishonesty undermine the integrity of teaching and learning in the Pre-College community. Such cases are taken seriously and will be resolved in a fair and consistent manner.
Definitions of Academic Misconduct and Dishonesty
Academic misconduct and dishonesty encompass all classroom, studio, and performance work and includes but is not limited to: plagiarism, unauthorized use of materials or resources (“cheating”), prohibited collaboration or consultation, use of fabricated or falsified information, interference with or sabotage of academic activity, unauthorized taking or receipt of materials or resources to gain an academic advantage, unauthorized recordings, bribery, submission of paper or academic work purchased or obtained from an outside source, and conspiracy to commit academic dishonesty.
Working with Minors Policy
Purpose and Scope
The Tianjin Juilliard School strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for minors participating in Tianjin Juilliard programs and activities.
The Tianjin Juilliard School’s Working with Minors Policy (this “Policy”) applies to all programs and activities operating under the authority and direction of the School and taking place: (i) on the Tianjin Juilliard or Tianjin Conservatory of Music campuses or (ii) off-campus. This Policy establishes guidelines for Authorized Adults (as defined below) who may work or interact with individuals under the age of 18 in a covered program or activity.
Definitions
"Minor" for purposes of this Policy means any person under the age of 18 who is participating in a Tianjin Juilliard School program or activity, excluding (i) on-campus guests or attendees at a public performance; and (ii) prospective students touring or visiting the School.
“Authorized Adults” for purposes of this Policy means all individuals, ages 18 and over, paid or unpaid, who instruct, supervise, chaperone or otherwise oversee Minors in connection with Tianjin Juilliard School programs or activities. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty, staff, students, parents, volunteers, interns, apprentices, independent contractors, consultants, alumni, guest artists or other personnel who will participate in any way in a Tianjin Juilliard School program or activity that includes Minors.
Guidelines for Programs Involving Minors
All Tianjin Juilliard School programs and activities must comply with the following conditions:
Program Registration
All activities in which Minors will participate, other than programs of the Pre-College, whether on or off campus, must be registered with the Office of Human Resources not less than 90 days prior to the commencement of the program. T he registration can be collected from the Office of Human Resources and must include:
- A description of the program, including age and number of participants and whether they will be housed in the Residence Hall.
- A list of all Authorized Adults participating in the program.
- A procedure for notification of participants’ parents or legal guardians in the event of an emergency, including contact information.
- A Medical Emergency Plan, including authorization to obtain emergency medical treatment in the event parents or legal guardians are not available, and disclosure of any allergies or medical conditions that might impact participation in the program.
Training
All Authorized Adults must receive appropriate training in (i) maintaining professional boundaries when working with Minors; (ii) protecting Minors from any form of abusive treatment; and (iii) reporting, under School policy, incidents or suspicions of improper conduct.
Criminal Background Check
Prior to being hired as an Authorized Adult, an applicant must undergo a criminal background check to the extent permitted by law. All background checks must be performed and approved by Human Resources. Criminal background checks may be conducted periodically thereafter if circumstances warrant. Authorized Adults are also required to notify the program director and the Office of Human Resources immediately in the event of an arrest or the conviction of any crime.
Supervision
All programs must establish an adequate plan for supervision. The plan must specify the person having responsibility over all Authorized Adults. Supervision plans must incorporate the following guidelines:
- To the extent practicable, Minors participating in Tianjin Juilliard sponsored programs or activities (other than Minors enrolled in Pre-College programs), whether on or off campus, should not be left unattended. Minors under the age of eleven (11) should be supervised at all times by an Authorized Adult or by their parents or legal guardians.
- When off campus, the minimum ratio for supervision of Minors is at least one Authorized Adult for every twelve (12) Minors.
- Authorized Adults must inform the program director and/or sponsoring department if using an area other than the one specifically designated for the program or activity.
- Although 1:1 interaction is a valuable component of certain areas of instruction at The Tianjin Juilliard School, Authorized Adults should minimize the amount of 1:1 time spent with Minors outside of lessons and adhere whenever possible to the “rule of three,” requiring at least two Authorized Adults or two Minors in a group at all times. Exceptions to this guideline are health care providers, tutors expressly authorized by the program director to provide private instruction or other individuals authorized by the School to provide counseling, advice, private help or assistance.
- Private instruction should be conducted whenever possible in a room or other space that is open or that provides for visibility, e.g. the door to the room has a window. Doors must remain unlocked at all times.
- All instruction must take place on campus or on an approved digital platform, such as Teams or Zoom.
- Human touch is a necessary component of many elements of instruction at The Tianjin Juilliard School. If a Minor appears uncomfortable with any form of physical contact, the Authorized Adult should immediately cease the contact and report the incident to the program director as soon as possible. Advice on using touch in instruction is available from the Associate Dean of Pre-College and Educational Development or Assistant Dean of Pre-College. Additional information on using touch in instruction can be found in Appendix A to this Policy.
- The privacy of Minors must be respected at all times. In situations such as changing clothes, showering or using the restroom, Authorized Adults must not intrude except where health and safety reasons require such intrusion.
- Proper clothing appropriate to the given activity must be worn by Authorized Adults and Minors at all times.
- Whenever possible, minors should be restricted from areas of the facilities where potential safety hazards may exist. Examples include, but are not limited to, mechanical rooms, workshops, construction zones, food preparation areas, or any areas containing power tools or machinery with exposed moving parts.
Prohibited Conduct
The following practices and behaviors are strictly prohibited under this Policy. This list is not meant to be exhaustive:
- Communicating electronically with Minors, except through Tianjin Juilliard’s email system, or when absolutely necessary and related to a particular program or activity in which the Minor is participating. Sending sexually explicit photos or messages and “sexting” is strictly prohibited as is any form of communication through social media. This includes without limitation, the use of WeChat, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms.
- Engaging in the use of, or providing Minors with, alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances, during Minor programs or activities. This prohibition includes allowing those substances to be used by a Minor in the Authorized Adult’s presence.
- Disciplining Minors in any manner involving isolation, humiliation or corporal punishment. Any form of discipline must be constructive and appropriate, given the age of the Minor and the circumstances of the situation.
- Engaging in abusive conduct of any kind, either verbal or physical, toward or in the presence of Minors. Bullying (including cyberbullying), hazing and initiations are strictly forbidden.
- Picking up or dropping off Minors at the Minors’ homes, except if specifically authorized in writing by the Minors’ parents or legal guardians and the program director.
- Giving gifts of any kind to Minors.
- Engaging in sexual activity or other inappropriate deliberate physical contact or horseplay with, or in the presence of Minors.
- Making sexual materials or pornography in any form available to Minors or assisting them in any way in gaining access to such materials.
- Making inappropriate or risqué comments to or in the presence of Minors.
- Releasing a Minor’s personal contact information to third parties without the written consent of the Minor’s parent or legal guardian. Even with parental consent, a Minor’s personal contact information, including a Tianjin Juilliard School email address, may only be released in connection with a Tianjin Juilliard School sponsored program or activity in which the Minor is participating.
- Photographing or making videos of Minors for other than program-related purposes. For program-related purposes, photos or videos may be taken only after the Minor’s parent or guardian has signed an appropriate waiver obtained from the program director. Use of any device capable of recording or transferring visual images is forbidden in showers, restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms or other areas where privacy is expected.
- Retaliating against anyone who, in good faith, raises a suspicion or allegation of inappropriate conduct toward a Minor.
- Other than immediate family members, Minors participating in Tianjin Juilliard School sponsored programs or activities may not have visitors on-campus, except with the permission of the program director. All visitors must agree to abide by school policies and procedures. Policy violations will result in the suspension or revocation of visiting privileges.
Reporting Harm to Minors
Any Authorized Adult who has a reasonable suspicion that a Minor who is participating in a Tianjin Juilliard School program or activity, has been physically or sexually abused; physically or emotionally neglected; exposed to any form of violence or threat of violence; or exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, must immediately report his or her concerns to the Associate Dean for Pre-College and Educational Development or the Director of Human Resources, who will determine appropriate next steps. Any uncertainty about whether a report is required should always be resolved in favor of making a good faith report. A list of common indicators of child abuse or maltreatment can be found in
Appendix B to this Policy.
Appendix A: Advice on Using Touch in Instruction
Human touch is an essential component of instruction in music. For example, to illustrate a point about breath control, a woodwind professor may press on a student’s diaphragm. It is understood and expected that major studio teachers at Tianjin Juilliard use touch in order to guide their students toward greater artistry.
The traditions of touch in a given art form may be less familiar to inexperienced students. Instructors in these programs should remain mindful of Minor students’ needs and expectations.
Some basic guidelines can help reduce the possibility of misunderstanding or discomfort:
- Touch should always be restricted only to what is necessary and appropriate for the instructional point.
- Explain at the beginning of instruction why, when and how you might touch a student. Parents may also find the information useful.
- Before using touch, give a verbal cue about the touch and its purpose: “Let me adjust your wrist so your hand stays more horizontal.”
- Touching should never take place on any part of the body that would be normally covered by a bathing suit. It is never appropriate to touch someone on sensitive areas, such as a student’s chest, pelvis, buttocks or upper thigh.
- Consider alternatives to touch, such as demonstration or verbal description. A description might explain the position or movement of the body part under consideration and of adjacent parts.
- If a student seems uncomfortable or expresses any concerns about touch, acknowledge the matter. Immediately cease the contact and report the situation to the program director as soon as possible.
- Consider that people experience touch in different ways depending on factors such as cultural background, age, gender and personal experience.
Appendix B: Signs of Child Abuse or Maltreatment
The list that follows contains some common indicators of child abuse or maltreatment. This list is not all-inclusive, and some abused or maltreated children may not show any of these symptoms.
Indicators of physical abuse can include:
- Injuries to the eyes or both sides of the head or body (accidental injuries typically only affect one side of the body);
- Frequently appearing injuries such as bruises, cuts and/or burns, especially if the child is unable to provide an adequate explanation of the cause. These may appear in distinctive patterns such as grab marks, human bite marks, cigarette burns or impressions of other instruments;
- Destructive, aggressive or disruptive behavior;
- Fear of going home or fear of parent(s).
Indicators of sexual abuse can include:
- Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases;
- Injury to genital area;
- Difficulty and/or pain when sitting or walking;
- Sexually suggestive, inappropriate or promiscuous behavior or verbalization;
- Expressing age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual relations; and
- Sexual victimization of other children.
Indicators of maltreatment can include:
- Obvious malnourishment, listlessness or fatigue;
- Stealing or begging for food;
- Lack of personal care – poor personal hygiene, torn and/or dirty clothes;
- Untreated need for glasses, dental care or other medical attention;
- Frequent absence from or tardiness to school;
- Child inappropriately left unattended or without supervision.