Juilliard Music Specialist Visit

On 21st and 22nd October, NAIS Pudong had the privilege of hosting the first of our Juilliard link staff, Music Specialist Mr Brian Drye, from New York. Over the course of his visit, Mr Drye engaged our staff and students in a series of dynamic and creative sessions, showcasing Juilliard’s innovative approach to music education.

Day One began with a series of collaborative discussions between Mr Drye and our Music department, focusing on professional development and exchanging insights on teaching strategies. He also observed Year 4 and Year 2 Music classes, where our students demonstrated their learning.  Mr Drye also provided invaluable feedback on incorporating Juilliard's creative techniques into daily lessons.

On Day Two, Mr Drye participated in a debrief with our Senior Leadership Team, followed by a demonstration of creative classroom approaches during Year 5 and Year 6 Music classes. His interactive teaching methods, which emphasised elements such as vocal harmony, pitch, and ensemble dynamics, engaged both students and teachers. Throughout the day, he again collaborated closely with our Music department staff, further refining their understanding of Juilliard’s philosophy.

The highlight of the visit was the open workshop held in the Performing Arts Centre. This 45-minute session featured our ‘Vocal Harmony’ group and offered parents, staff, and the community a rare opportunity to experience Juilliard’s creative process firsthand. Mr Drye tailored the workshop to be accessible for all participants, regardless of their musical background. The interactive format allowed audience members to engage with the music-making process, deepening their appreciation for how we cultivate creativity in our students.

Mr Drye also shared insights into how Juilliard’s methods can be adapted across different learning levels, encouraging both confident and less-experienced students to explore their musical abilities. His background as a performing trombonist brought an additional layer of expertise, as he drew connections between vocal techniques and brass/wind instruments, expanding participants' perspectives on instrumental and vocal music.

The visit concluded with a final meeting with our team to reflect on the activities and discuss how Juilliard’s principles will continue to enrich our curriculum. Mr Drye’s visit reinforced our school’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic exploration. We are excited to continue our partnership with Juilliard and look forward to our Juilliard Drama and Dance specialists visiting our campus later in the academic year.