What are the ages of the Pre-College students?
Some students enter the Pre-College Division as young as seven years old. Wind and brass players tend to be older. Students can stay in the School through their senior year in high school. Please note: Voice students must be 14 or older.

When does Pre-College meet?
Pre-College meets on Saturdays, from September through May, for 30 weeks of instruction. Because of time limitations, some students who live close to the school may take their private lesson and chamber music coaching during the week. All other classes take place only on Saturdays in the Juilliard building.

Students may start their day as early as 9 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m. or later. When one of the orchestras has a concert on Saturday evening in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, students in the orchestra may be in the building until 10:30 p.m.

What classes are offered?
In addition to their private lessons, all students in the Pre-College Division take a weekly theory class and a weekly solfège (ear-training) class. Students playing orchestral instruments will play in one of the two Pre-College orchestras. These ensembles are age related. Pianists attend a weekly performance class in Paul Recital Hall. Voice students participate in a voice performance class as well as a weekly diction class. Composition majors participate in a weekly one-hour Composer's Forum.

With the major teacher's approval, all students are eligible for chamber music.

Chorus is required for younger students and is available as an elective for high school students.

The Pre-College program is designed solely for training in classical or concert music. Courses in jazz, musical theater, dance, or drama are not offered.

What performance opportunities are available in the Pre-College Division?
Students have frequent opportunities to perform in the Pre-College Division. The orchestras give many concerts throughout the academic year. Senior students are required to give a one-hour recital as part of their graduation requirement. First-year students (unless they are seniors) may not give a recital. However, returning students can sign up for a recital in Paul or Morse Recital Halls. (The student's teacher must approve all recitals.) Additionally, many students participate in the numerous chamber music concerts throughout the year.

How do I get admitted into the Pre-College Division?
Application is available on line. Applications will be due on March 1 for entrance the following September. Your application will be reviewed, and, if your repertoire list meets the requirements of the division, you will be notified of your audition time. This will take place in mid May. Entrance into the Pre-College Division is based solely on the audition that you will play for the faculty of your chosen major. Composers will mail original scores with the application for the composition faculty to review. Acceptance and rejection letters are sent within a month after the audition period. All string, wind, brass and voice auditions must be accompanied. Piano applicants are required to send a pre-screening tape.

What should I play for my live audition?
The printed repertoire (listed on our website and in our printed catalog) is what we consider to be the minimum requirements for entry. Applicants are welcome to perform pieces at that level or at more difficult levels. All piano and violin auditions must be performed from memory.

If I am accepted into the Pre-College, can I continue taking my private lessons with my present teacher?
No. The Pre-College Division has a world-class faculty uniquely qualified to develop young artist-musicians. We expect all Pre-College students to study with our teachers.

Are beginners accepted into the Pre-College Division?
No. The Pre-College Division is not a place for beginners. Students are expected to perform at very advanced levels, to be proficient on their instruments, and, with an orchestral instrument, to be able to play comfortably in an orchestra.

Is there a limit on the length of study in the Pre-College Division?
No. Students can enter at a very young age and stay in the School through their senior year in high school.

I don't want to subject my child to the Juilliard Pre-College audition process if he or she won't be accepted. Is there a way to guarantee admittance?
No. There is no guaranteed admittance into the School. Your child must go through the entire process. Our faculty will be kind and fair to your child. Auditions can be an excellent introduction to the demands and expectations of the professional world, and by going through the proccess, your child can get a sense of the standards involved and whether he or she wants to work at this kind of pre-professional level.

Does one pay separately for private lessons in the Pre-College Division?
No. The tuition covers all activities of the division, with the exception of an extra fee for secondary instruction and elective classes.

Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available and is based solely on need. About 35% to 40% of the student body receive financial aid, and about 75% of those requesting help receive it. Financial aid can range from small amounts to full tuition.

Does the Pre-College Division offer any summer programs?
No, the School does not offer a summer music program.