The Juilliard School
Address: The Juilliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Phone: +1 212-237-9200
Email: info@juilliard.edu
Website: www.juilliard.edu
About The Juilliard School
Established in 1905, The Juilliard School is a non-profit private specialized higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of New York City (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), New York. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, The Juilliard School (Juilliard) is a very small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 500-999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. The Juilliard School (Juilliard) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 119-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Juilliard also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Why The Juilliard School
The Juilliard School is famous for being one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for the performing arts, with a longstanding reputation for excellence in music, dance, theater, and creative writing. Several factors contribute to its prominence:
1. World-Class Reputation and Alumni Success
Juilliard is known for training some of the most successful and influential artists across the globe. Its alumni include many internationally recognized figures in the fields of music, dance, and theater:
- Music: Famous alumni include renowned musicians like Itzhak Perlman (violinist), Yo-Yo Ma (cellist), Wynton Marsalis (jazz trumpeter), and Renée Fleming (opera singer).
- Dance: Legendary dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Paul Taylor studied at Juilliard, and many prominent choreographers, including Twyla Tharp, have roots at the institution.
- Theater: Juilliard-trained actors have achieved fame on Broadway, in Hollywood, and in global theater productions. Famous alumni include Robin Williams, Kevin Spacey, Jessica Chastain, and Viola Davis.
- Creative Writing: Renowned authors such as Sam Lipsyte, David Foster Wallace, and Junot Díaz have studied in Juilliard’s prestigious creative writing program.
2. Elite Faculty and Guest Artists
Juilliard’s faculty includes some of the most esteemed figures in the performing arts, offering students exceptional mentorship and education. Professors are often not only educators but also celebrated artists in their own right. Additionally, the school regularly hosts master classes and workshops with world-renowned guest artists, giving students access to expertise from leaders in their fields.
3. Rigorous Training and Selectivity
Juilliard’s programs are known for their intensity and rigor, and it is widely regarded as one of the most difficult schools to get into. The school’s selective admissions process ensures that only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted, which contributes to its reputation for producing top-tier professionals in the arts.
4. Strategic Location in New York City
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, Juilliard benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s most vibrant and influential cultural scenes. Students have access to prestigious performance venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Broadway, as well as a wide array of professional opportunities in the theater, dance, and music industries.
5. High-Profile Performances and Productions
Juilliard is known for its rigorous performance schedule, with students performing in public recitals, productions, and concerts. Many Juilliard productions, whether in music, theater, or dance, attract attention for their quality and innovation, often being considered professional-grade performances, even by students.
6. Long History of Excellence
Founded in 1905, Juilliard has a history of excellence that spans more than a century. Its prestigious standing is a result of over a century of training highly skilled and accomplished artists who have gone on to shape the cultural landscape globally. The school has continuously adapted to the changing arts scene, remaining a top-tier institution in the competitive field of arts education.
7. Unique Interdisciplinary Focus
Juilliard encourages collaboration among its various arts disciplines (music, dance, theater, and creative writing), allowing students to explore the intersections between different forms of performance. This interdisciplinary approach contributes to the school's reputation for fostering innovation and creative excellence.
8. Global Influence
Juilliard's influence extends beyond New York City. It attracts students and artists from all over the world, and its educational methods and standards have been adopted by many other institutions worldwide. The school’s international reach and impact on the global arts community contribute to its fame.
Juilliard’s combination of rigorous training, exceptional faculty, elite alumni, and a location in New York City make it a leading institution in the world of performing arts education, cementing its reputation as a symbol of artistic excellence.
The Juilliard School does not have specific language requirements for non-native English speakers beyond proficiency in English, as the school’s programs are taught entirely in English. However, the following details provide insight into the general language proficiency expectations:
1. English Proficiency for Non-Native Speakers
If you are an international student whose first language is not English, you will likely need to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following methods:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Juilliard typically requires a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) for undergraduate applicants and 105 for graduate applicants.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A score of 7.0 or higher is typically expected.
- Duolingo English Test: Juilliard may accept this test as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS, with a minimum score of 120 for undergraduate programs and 125 for graduate programs.
2. Exemptions
In certain cases, you may be exempt from these language proficiency tests:
- If you have completed your education in English for at least two years at a secondary school or post-secondary institution in a country where English is the primary language.
- If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in an English-speaking country.
3. Other Considerations
While language proficiency is an important factor in admissions, Juilliard places heavy emphasis on your audition or portfolio submission for the performing arts programs (music, theater, dance). This allows the school to assess your artistic abilities, which is a key part of the admission process.
It is important to check the specific requirements for your program of interest on Juilliard's admissions website, as they may vary by program or level of study.
The Juilliard School is one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions in the world for the performing arts, offering specialized programs in music, dance, theater, and creative writing. Here’s an overview of the school’s course specialties:
1. Music
Juilliard’s Music Division offers an extensive range of programs that focus on both performance and academic study:
- Bachelor of Music (BM) and Master of Music (MM) in various disciplines, including:
- Classical Performance (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and piano)
- Voice (Opera and Vocal Performance)
- Jazz Studies
- Composition (composing for various ensembles and media)
- Collaborative Piano (accompanying, chamber music)
- Music Theory and History (with a focus on scholarly analysis of music)
Juilliard is famous for its rigorous conservatory approach to music training, combining intense performance experience with a thorough academic foundation in music theory, history, and aural skills.
2. Dance
The Dance Division at Juilliard is highly specialized and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs focused on contemporary dance and classical ballet:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance (for those pursuing advanced study in dance performance and choreography)
Students train in a variety of styles, including classical ballet, contemporary, modern, and experimental dance, with performance opportunities and guest choreographer works being a key component of their education.
3. Drama
The Drama Division at Juilliard prepares students for a wide range of careers in theater, television, and film:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Drama, focusing on the development of acting skills, voice, movement, and stage presence.
- Specialized training in Classical Acting, Contemporary Acting, and Musical Theater (through the Drama and Musical Theater track).
- Students perform in a variety of settings, including Juilliard’s own repertory productions, public performances, and off-campus opportunities in New York City.
4. Creative Writing
The Creative Writing Program at Juilliard is one of the most selective in the country, offering a highly competitive Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in writing:
- Fiction and Nonfiction tracks within the MFA program, with a focus on narrative craft, storytelling, and innovative writing.
- The program is known for its close mentorship model and its strong connections with the literary world, providing opportunities for students to interact with established writers, publishers, and editors.
5. Interdisciplinary Programs
Juilliard also offers interdisciplinary courses and opportunities for students to collaborate across the divisions of music, dance, theater, and creative writing. Students can engage in interdisciplinary performances and projects, providing them with a broad exposure to various forms of art and creativity.
Unique Aspects of Juilliard's Curriculum:
- Professional Training: Juilliard focuses heavily on preparing students for professional careers in the performing arts with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Location in New York City: Situated in the heart of Manhattan, Juilliard offers unparalleled opportunities for students to perform and collaborate with professional artists and organizations across the city.
- Guest Artists and Faculty: Students have the chance to work with world-renowned guest artists, master teachers, and visiting professionals who bring real-world experience and cutting-edge techniques to the classroom.
- Performance Opportunities: All divisions emphasize live performance as a crucial part of the curriculum. Music students perform in public recitals, drama students act in productions, and dance students participate in staged performances regularly.
Juilliard is renowned for producing elite performers, many of whom go on to achieve extraordinary careers in theater, music, dance, and related fields. The school’s unique combination of intensive training, creative freedom, and access to the New York arts scene makes it a leader in artistic education.
The Juilliard School has had many distinguished professors and artists associated with its programs over the years. Some of the most notable faculty members are highly regarded for their expertise and accomplishments in their respective fields. Here are a few top professors who have made a significant impact at Juilliard:
1. Itzhak Perlman (Violin)
- Field: Music (Violin)
- About: One of the most renowned violinists in the world, Itzhak Perlman has been a prominent teacher at Juilliard for many years. He is a Grammy Award-winning artist who has performed globally and is celebrated for his technique and artistry in classical music.
2. Mikhail Baryshnikov (Dance)
- Field: Dance
- About: Known as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, Mikhail Baryshnikov has been a distinguished faculty member at Juilliard. Baryshnikov's presence at the school is especially significant in the field of ballet and dance performance, offering students invaluable expertise from his illustrious career.
3. Renée Fleming (Voice)
- Field: Music (Opera and Voice)
- About: A celebrated soprano and one of the most recognized opera singers in the world, Renée Fleming has taught at Juilliard and worked with emerging talent in the vocal arts. She is a Grammy Award winner and has performed at leading opera houses around the globe, including the Metropolitan Opera.
4. Peter Martins (Dance)
- Field: Dance
- About: Peter Martins, a former principal dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet, has taught and influenced generations of dance students at Juilliard. His extensive experience in ballet and choreography has contributed significantly to Juilliard's dance program.
5. Kurt Masur (Conducting and Music)
- Field: Music (Conducting)
- About: The late Kurt Masur was a renowned conductor who taught at Juilliard and was associated with major orchestras like the New York Philharmonic. His expertise in conducting, particularly in classical and orchestral music, left a lasting impact on Juilliard's music program.
6. Michael Kahn (Theater)
- Field: Theater
- About: Michael Kahn, the former artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., has been an influential teacher in Juilliard’s drama division. His background in classical theater, particularly with Shakespearean works, helped shape Juilliard's drama program and the development of its theater students.
7. Twyla Tharp (Choreography and Dance)
- Field: Dance
- About: Twyla Tharp, a renowned choreographer and dancer known for her innovative blending of classical ballet and contemporary dance, has been involved in Juilliard's dance department. Her pioneering work in both the dance world and on Broadway has made her one of the most respected figures in the field.
8. Jessica Chastain (Acting - Alumnus)
- Field: Theater (Alumna)
- About: While not a current faculty member, Jessica Chastain, a prominent actress and Juilliard alumna, has had a significant influence on the acting community at Juilliard. Her career success serves as a testament to the caliber of training offered at the institution.
9. William Christie (Music - Early Music)
- Field: Music (Early Music)
- About: William Christie is a conductor and a leading figure in early music and Baroque performance practice. He has been an important professor at Juilliard, particularly for students interested in historical performance and Baroque music.
10. William H. Macy (Acting - Alumnus)
- Field: Theater (Alumnus)
- About: William H. Macy, another prominent Juilliard alumnus, has had a substantial influence on theater students through his acclaimed acting career, which includes both stage and film roles. His work has contributed to the reputation of Juilliard's drama division.
These professors represent a small sample of the talented and influential faculty at Juilliard, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and a high level of artistic achievement to their teaching. They are part of the school's legacy of fostering excellence in the performing arts.
The Juilliard School has no Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni, as the Nobel Prize does not typically recognize individuals in the fields of music, dance, or theater (which are the primary focus areas of Juilliard). The Nobel Prizes are traditionally awarded in categories such as Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.
However, Juilliard is renowned for producing a remarkable number of influential artists, including musicians, actors, dancers, and choreographers, many of whom have won prestigious awards in their respective fields (such as Grammys, Tony Awards, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Pulitzer Prizes).
While Nobel Prizes do not align directly with the arts, Juilliard’s alumni are recognized globally for their contributions to culture and the arts, making the institution one of the most prestigious and influential performing arts schools in the world.