37 Interesting Facts about Juilliard School

Dan August 31, 2023

The Juilliard School, often referred to simply as Juilliard, is a prestigious performing arts conservatory located in New York City, USA. Founded in 1905 by Dr. Frank Damrosch, the institution has earned a global reputation for excellence in training talented individuals in the fields of music, dance, drama, and other performing arts. The school’s official mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education, nurturing young artists to reach their full potential.

Situated in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Juilliard offers a comprehensive range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as pre-college and postgraduate programs. Its esteemed faculty comprises accomplished professionals who are experts in their respective disciplines, providing students with personalized guidance and mentorship.

Juilliard’s approach to education is highly rigorous, emphasizing technical mastery, artistic expression, and intellectual growth. The school’s campus houses state-of-the-art facilities, including performance spaces, practice rooms, studios, and libraries. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that includes regular performances, masterclasses, and collaborations with world-renowned artists.

With its rich history and dedication to artistic excellence, Juilliard has produced countless successful artists who have made significant contributions to the world of performing arts. Alumni include renowned musicians like Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, celebrated actors like Viola Davis and Robin Williams, as well as influential dancers and directors. Juilliard’s enduring legacy continues to shape the landscape of performing arts education and inspire emerging talents worldwide.

Juilliard School (Wikimedia)

Let’s take a look at these 37 interesting facts about Julliard School to know more about it.

1. The Juilliard School was founded in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art by Dr. Frank Damrosch.
2. It was later renamed the Juilliard School in 1926 in honor of textile merchant Augustus D. Juilliard, who made significant donations.
3. The school’s official mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education in music, dance, and drama.
4. Juilliard is located in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
5. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in the performing arts.
6. Juilliard’s Pre-College Division provides training for talented students between the ages of 8 and 18.
7. The school offers programs in dance, drama, and music, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
8. Juilliard’s Drama Division is well-known for its rigorous training in acting, stagecraft, and performance.
9. The Music Division offers specialized programs in voice, orchestral instruments, piano, composition, and more.
10. The Dance Division focuses on classical and contemporary dance training.
11. Juilliard’s alumni include numerous distinguished artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Renée Fleming.
12. The school’s mascot is the Sphinx, reflecting its commitment to artistry, mystery, and creativity.
13. Juilliard’s campus includes facilities such as practice rooms, performance venues, libraries, and dance studios.
14. The school’s main building features an iconic clock that has become a recognizable symbol of Juilliard.
15. Juilliard’s Drama Division has its own theater, the Stephanie P. McClelland Drama Theater.
16. The Juilliard Orchestra, comprised of talented students, often collaborates with renowned conductors and soloists.
17. The school’s Juilliard String Quartet is one of the most renowned chamber music ensembles in the world.
18. In 2009, Juilliard established a partnership with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
19. The Juilliard Jazz program is recognized for its emphasis on improvisation and contemporary jazz styles.
20. Students at Juilliard have opportunities to perform in regular recitals, productions, and showcases.
21. The Juilliard School has an active international student community, attracting talents from around the world.
22. The Drama Division offers a wide range of training, from Shakespearean classics to modern plays.
23. Notable actors who have attended Juilliard include Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, and Viola Davis.
24. The Juilliard School has its own orchestral, operatic, and dance productions throughout the year.
25. The Metropolitan Opera House and Avery Fisher Hall (now David Geffen Hall) are among the Lincoln Center venues used for performances.
26. Juilliard’s dance program focuses on developing both classical and contemporary techniques.
27. The Juilliard Drama Division’s Group 1 students participate in a repertory season of classic and contemporary plays.
28. The school’s Music Division has a collaborative piano program that trains pianists to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists.
29. Juilliard’s annual New Dances program showcases original choreography created by students.
30. The Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts is a vital part of Juilliard’s Music Division.
31. Juilliard’s costume shop is responsible for creating and maintaining costumes for productions.
32. The school offers a wide range of ensemble opportunities, from chamber groups to large orchestras.
33. Juilliard regularly hosts masterclasses by world-renowned artists and experts in various fields.
34. The school’s historical Morse Hall is often used for recitals, lectures, and meetings.
35. The Juilliard Drama Division offers acting training with a focus on the Stanislavski technique.
36. The Tianjin Juilliard School in China, a collaborative project, aims to bring Juilliard’s standards to a global stage.
37. Throughout its history, the Juilliard School has remained dedicated to shaping the next generation of artists and continuing its legacy of excellence in the performing arts.

The Juilliard School stands as a beacon of artistic brilliance and training. From its humble beginnings to its status as a revered institution, Juilliard has nurtured countless talents, shaping them into virtuosos, actors, and dancers who illuminate stages worldwide. Its hallowed halls resonate with the echoes of creativity, dedication, and transformative learning. As an emblem of the pursuit of artistic excellence, Juilliard’s legacy shines brightly, inspiring generations of performers to reach for the pinnacle of their craft, and contributing immeasurably to the rich tapestry of the performing arts on a global scale.