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.

English for Musical Purposes

Both "language" and "music" are bridges for connection and cultural exchange. English for Musical Purposes 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 May, according to the academic calendar. The proposed teaching schedule for the 2024 academic year is from 12:45 to 16:45.

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

To join the MDP Secondary, students must be between 12 and 18 years old and pass an instrumental performance assessment. Please 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 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.

The examination 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.