How Juilliard Teacher Training Enriches Music Learning

Investing in teachers’ professional learning is an investment in students’ everyday experience of school. At Léman International School Chengdu, we value opportunities for teachers to examine their practice, learn from specialists and develop approaches that respond to the children they teach.
Our music teacher, Ms Hamida, recently attended a workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam, through the Juilliard–Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme. Working alongside educators from other Nord Anglia schools, she explored how Juilliard’s educational approaches can inform music teaching at Léman.

Learning through the student experience

The workshop combined practical activities, observation and discussion. Taking part as learners gave teachers an opportunity to consider how an activity feels from the student’s perspective and reflect on the teaching choices that support participation and understanding.
“Experiencing the workshop as both a teacher and a student was especially valuable,” shared Ms Hamida. “Taking part in the activities helped me reflect on learning from the students’ perspective. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn through observation, discussion and participation.”
This reflective process is an important part of professional development. It gives teachers time to consider why an approach works and how to adapt it thoughtfully for their own classes. Exchanging ideas with colleagues also offers fresh perspectives on familiar classroom challenges.

Connecting professional learning with classroom practice

A key focus of the training was adapting approaches for students of different ages and language abilities. In an international school, this has particular relevance: music lessons need to offer accessible ways for students to participate while developing their musical understanding.
Ms Hamida will bring insights and resources from the workshop into her teaching, with the aim of creating more opportunities for students to explore music, work together and express their ideas. The value for families lies in how this professional learning informs the planning and teaching their children experience.
Through our collaboration with The Juilliard School as part of Nord Anglia Education, we can connect our teachers with specialist expertise and a wider community of educators. At Léman, our purpose in supporting this learning is clear: to keep strengthening classroom practice so that students can take an active, confident part in their music education.