As the new academic year begins, Tianjin Juilliard School welcomes 53 graduate students, with nearly half being international students from around the world, including the United States, Russia, Colombia, South Korea and Canada.

"When selecting a school, most students prioritize faculty and scholarships over reputation and location," says He Wei, CEO and artistic director of Tianjin Juilliard. "For many, scholarships are the deciding factor."

At Tianjin Juilliard, all students receive financial support ranging from full tuition waivers to housing and career development stipends. "This support is vital for students to focus on their craft without financial distractions," He says. The school's robust scholarship system has attracted talent from across the globe, making it the first overseas campus of The Juilliard School in New York, which began its inaugural graduate class in 2020.

Tianjin Juilliard's commitment to accessibility aligns with a bold new initiative launched by the Juilliard School in New York. In April, the New York school unveiled a groundbreaking fundraising campaign to eliminate tuition fees for all students. The campaign, with an initial commitment of $180 million, aims to raise $550 million to create a tuition-free model for its music, dance, and drama programs. It marks the beginning of the most ambitious affordability program in the school's 120-year history.

"This is a daring commitment," says He, noting the initiative's significant impact on global arts education. "We want all talented students to have access to education without financial worries and fully immerse themselves in their studies."

He's own experience underscores this mission. In the early 1990s, as a veteran violinist, He studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship. "Back then, a full scholarship was a requirement to study abroad. Without it, you couldn't even apply for a visa," He recalls. Despite tuition coverage, he still had to work to support himself, shaping his dedication to easing financial burdens for future students.

One such student is Hyunyoung Lee, a South Korean violinist who was among the first scholarship recipients at Tianjin Juilliard. Lee had long dreamed of attending a prestigious institution like Juilliard, but believed it was financially out of reach. "When I saw the scholarship opportunities at Tianjin Juilliard, I realized my dream could become a reality," she says.

At Tianjin Juilliard, Lee flourished, completing dual master's degrees in orchestral performance and chamber music by 2024. She was later appointed associate concertmaster of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in Guangdong province, a testament to her hard work and dedication. Grateful for the financial support that allowed her to focus on her studies, Lee became the first alumna donor to Tianjin Juilliard.

"Since I entered university, I've been financially independent from my parents for my studies. That's why I wouldn't have considered attending this school if it hadn't been for the fellowship scholarships I received at Tianjin Juilliard," Lee says. "This support allowed me to focus more on learning without the burden of financial hardships."

According to Ma Wenjie, the secretary-general of the Tianjin Juilliard School Education Development Foundation and senior director of development at the school, the foundation has received support from entrepreneurs and musicians since its establishment in 2020, including Joseph W. Polisi, the former president of Juilliard in New York, and the Tanoto Foundation.

As part of its ongoing expansion, Tianjin Juilliard is evolving to meet the needs of its students and the broader arts community. In March 2026, the school will launch a residency at Guangzhou's Xinghai Concert Hall, featuring performances by faculty and student ensembles, master classes, and community outreach activities.

Additionally, starting the next academic year, the school will introduce a composition program designed to create a synergy between Western music and Asian traditions, particularly Chinese music.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn