The exceptional reputation of Juilliard, which has an acceptance rate of 10%, attracts top talent from around the globe.
With world-renowned faculty like violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist Emmanuel Ax, it’s no wonder musicians dream of studying here.
The opportunity to learn from masters of their craft is a real draw.
Juilliard’s intimate size is another factor in its selectivity. With only 950 students across music, drama, and dance, spots for each instrument are quite limited.
This means competition for each opening is incredibly fierce, but it also ensures that those who do make it in receive personalized, 1-on-1 attention.
New York City’s vibrant cultural scene is another major draw for applicants.
The proximity to institutions like the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera offers unparalleled opportunities for seeing live music and studying the greats. Students here aren’t just learning in a classroom – they’re immersed in one of the world’s great artistic capitals.
The other major reason I see that makes Juilliard so selective is its reputation.
As the most recognizable conservatory worldwide, it’s often the first choice for talented young musicians.
These factors combine to make Juilliard selective and incredibly sought-after.
The phrase “passion meets excellence” can aptly describe Juilliard and its students.
Juilliard Stats & Facts At-a-Glance
Here are some quick stats about the Juilliard School, updated to reflect the most recent figures in 2024.
Number of Students: 950 students
Number of Faculty: 350 (source)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
Tuition per year: $54,400 (source)
Annual Performances: 700+ (source)
Combined Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys: 300+
Juilliard’s Famous Alumni
Juilliard sure has graduated a number of musical luminaries.
In fact, I would say that names like these are partially responsible for the school’s selectiveness. These are some of the most well-recognized names in the world of music that even laymen would know.
Yo-Yo Ma, who completed his cello studies at Juilliard in 1972, has become one of the most recognizable classical musicians globally.
His many Grammy Awards and numerous cross-cultural projects have redefined the role of a classical musician in the 21st century.
In the realm of jazz, Miles Davis’s brief time at Juilliard in the 1940s laid the groundwork for his revolutionary career. Though he spent only three semesters at the school, Davis went on to become one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
Juilliard’s vocal program boasts graduates like Renée Fleming, a 1983 alumna. Fleming’s lustrous soprano has graced the world’s major opera houses, earning her four Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts.
The school’s composition program has produced titans of film music like John Williams. A 1955 graduate, Williams has scored some of Hollywood’s most beloved films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, garnering five Academy Awards and 54(!) Oscar nominations; he’s the most nominated human in history after Walt Disney.
Audra McDonald, who earned her Bachelor of Music in 1993, has won six Tony Awards, demonstrating Juilliard’s impact beyond classical and jazz styles.
In the world of contemporary classical music, few names loom larger than Philip Glass. After graduating in 1962, Glass went on to revolutionize minimalism in music, composing operas, symphonies, and film scores that defined the sound of modern classical music.
Who You Can Study With at Juilliard
Juilliard’s faculty roster reads like a who’s who of the classical music scene.
Many chairs of prestigious orchestra sections teach at Juilliard, providing students with insights directly from the pinnacle of the orchestral world.
Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic, brings his decades of experience to the brass department.
Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, shares his artistry with woodwind students.
Sheryl Staples, Principal Associate Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, offers her expertise to aspiring violinists.
In composition, students have the opportunity to learn from John Corigliano, one of the most prominent living composers. Corigliano’s works have earned him a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy Awards, and an Oscar.
As mentioned earlier, legendary soloists like Itzhak Perlman and Emmanuel Ax are also part of the Juilliard faculty. Perlman is widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th and 21st centuries, and Ax is among the most accomplished chamber & solo pianists of our time.
These faculty members represent just a fraction of the world-class instructors at Juilliard. Their presence on campus ensures that students are learning from active, successful professionals at the top of their fields.
Juilliard’s Ranking
According to Niche, Juilliard is the #3 best music school in the country behind Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music and Curtis.
All rankings should be taken with a grain of salt; however, it doesn’t sound unreasonable to call Juilliard a top-3 school in the country, especially for classical & jazz performance, conducting, and composition majors.
The last time the QS group did a ranking, Juilliard came in at the #1 spot for music programs in the world.
The Hollywood Reporter has also ranked Juilliard as a top-3 music school in the country.
These rankings also showcase why Juilliard is so selective, as many major outlets consistently rank it among the best, if not the best, in class.
Improving Your Chances of Acceptance to Juilliard
While Juilliard’s acceptance rate is notoriously low, there are steps aspiring students can take to enhance their prospects of admission.
Although Juilliard doesn’t officially consider demonstrated interest in its admissions process, taking a trial lesson with a faculty member can be invaluable.
This not only gives you a chance to showcase your skills but also helps you determine if Juilliard is the right fit for your artistic goals.
Juilliard offers several summer programs that provide a taste of the school’s rigorous training. Programs like Juilliard Summer Composition and Juilliard Summer Voice allow students to experience life on campus and work with esteemed faculty.
Participating in these programs can give you a clearer understanding of Juilliard’s expectations and culture.
Exceptional training is crucial for Juilliard admission. Many successful applicants have dedicated over 10 years to studying their instrument under accomplished teachers. Juilliard does expect a certain skill level in its applicants.
It’s important to note that while these strategies can improve your chances, admission to Juilliard ultimately depends on your artistic merit.
The school seeks students who not only have technical proficiency but also show potential for artistic growth and innovation.
Remember, preparing for Juilliard – or any school’s – admission is a long-term process.
Start early, seek out the best training available to you, and continuously challenge yourself.
You won’t know unless you try.
PS
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and get accepted into the best college program for you, schedule a 100% free, zero-obligation consultation with us. We’ve helped students get into Juilliard and other great conservatory & university music programs.
We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and tell you about how we can help you, or the musician in your family, gain admission into the best college for your future.
