Opened in New York City in 1905, the Juilliard School has been leading the way in arts education for over 100 years. They are now beginning a new chapter in Tianjin. Last week, we welcomed Nick Corasaniti and Ray Zhou from Tianjin Juilliard to Yew Chung International School of Beijing. We speak to them about the new school and the benefits of musical education.

What is the purpose of your visit today?

There were two groups we wanted to reach out to today: students and parents. That’s why we took an assembly in Secondary school and also ran a parent info session.

Our main aim is to help students and parents understand that a musical education is not just for people who want to study music at university or become a professional musician. In fact, it has multiple cognitive benefits that will help you whether you want to be an artist or an accountant, a director or a dentist.

Graduates from the Juilliard Pre-College Music Programme (which we have been running for many years in the States now and are launching in September this year in Tianjin) receive outstanding university offers. Last year, after offers from the Juilliard School itself, the second highest number of undergraduate offers came from Harvard.

What are the benefits of studying music that you introduced today?

One of the most compelling benefits of musicality is neuroplasticity. Musicians have higher levels of neuroplasticity (the ability for the brain to change and remain flexible) into adult life. This means they’re able to learn new things more readily and take on new challenges.

A musical education also enhances expression and creativity. Skills for life.

What advice do you have for students who are hoping to get into a top music conservatory?

An outstanding musician is more than someone who plays an instrument well. They must approach music with curiosity and passion and their love of their instrument needs to be authentic and developed. They should also pay attention to other academic disciplines. A great musician should have a broad knowledge of the arts and multilingualism is an added bonus. 

Will there be future events with Tianjin Juilliard?

YCIS Beijing understands the importance of music and we are therefore excited to forge a strong and long-lasting partnership with them. We are working with the Head of Arts, Ms Erin Luce, to organise some visits to the Tianjin campus and see our students perform. We are also planning to get our first cohort of students to visit YCIS Beijing and reach out to budding musicians here. The music teachers at YCIS Beijing are always on the lookout for outstanding talent, and with support from school staff and a close partnership with the Tianjin Juilliard, we have the ability to raise a new generation of outstanding world-class musicians.

The Tianjin Juilliard Pre-College Music Programme begins in September 2019. For more information, visit tianjin.juilliard.edu.