What is The Juilliard School of music in New York?
New York City has been a creative hub for music for decades. Not only has it long been viewed as central to a lively abyss of bustling opportunities and creativity, but the music scene has always attracted established and aspiring artists, each looking for a way to consistently fulfil their creative desires. Many relocate there to make a name for themselves, while others are just looking to get stuck into a scene that has a grip on their hearts.
It’s easy to understand why. After all, in the city’s heart sits The Juilliard School, one of the biggest and most reputable creative arts schools in the world. It has developed such a prestigious reputation since its founding in 1905, signalling success and excellence for any lucky enough to be given admission. More than just a school, Juilliard fosters an unparalleled environment where real trailblazers can develop and truly alter the trajectory of the arts.
Although the school offers three core disciplines, including dance and drama, its music division has become one of the most revered, embracing classical, jazz, and contemporary studies, with support and mentorship from huge industry names to help them grow and develop in their own artistry. Many household names have attended the school’s music programme and significantly influenced those in their fields, becoming pioneers and innovators in their own right.
Beyond the obvious reasons why Juilliard is a coveted school for aspiring musicians, its music programme has epitomised the centralised talent in New York City and the world, becoming a cornerstone and prolific pop culture reference to measuring success and achievements. Even in 2024, it draws students from all over, maintaining its historical significance while embracing and adapting to the contemporary landscape.
Which musicians have attended Juilliard?
Due to its longtime reputation, Juilliard’s music alumni are among the most impressive in academic history. Many of the biggest names to emerge from the school have significantly altered the course of music, not just within their own respective genres but across all art forms. Some of these include Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Philip Glass, Barry Manilow, Nina Simone, and Miles Davis.
Simone’s admission is particularly poignant, coming just before a significant setback left her unable to study classical music at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music. Although she was more qualified than most and had already gotten into Juilliard, her application to the prestigious Philadelphia school was rejected because of her racial background.
“I went to the Juilliard School of Music for two years and studied with Carl Friedberg and then I applied for a scholarship to Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and they turned me down because I was black and I never got over it,” she said, saying elsewhere that she knew she was “good enough,” but they “turned me down” anyway.
Still, many experiences at Juilliard opened up countless doors for Simone and others to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant music scene, which was also the case for Davis, who took the opportunity to learn the musical history and geography of the city at the same time. During his time there, he frequented the city’s jazz clubs and bars and met other pioneers like Thelonious Monk.
Although foremost a school of study, it’s clear, therefore, that Juilliard remains a significant networking source, enabling aspiring artists to adopt certain practices and lifestyles and become more equipped for a life in the musical arts in a holistic sense rather than merely a hobby.
