NAISAK Students Experienced the World Class Juilliard Approach

This week, NAISAK had the exceptional privilege of welcoming two distinguished experts from the prestigious Juilliard School: Raphael Peacock, Curriculum Specialist in Drama, and Brian Drye, Curriculum Specialist in Music. Their visit marked a significant milestone in NAISAK’s growing partnership with one of the world’s foremost institutions in the performing arts.

Over several days, both students and faculty engaged in a series of inspiring and interactive demonstration sessions, gaining firsthand insight into Juilliard’s unique and rigorous approach to arts education.

Raphael Peacock led dynamic drama classes that explored the nuances of theatrical performance and character development. Students were introduced to key elements of Juilliard’s drama philosophy, emphasizing emotional depth, physical expression, and the art of storytelling. Through practical exercises and scene work, they learned new techniques for bringing scripts to life. Peacock also collaborated closely with NAISAK’s Drama Teacher, Ms. Lois Woodward, sharing strategies to further enrich the school’s drama curriculum—striking a balance between high artistic standards and an engaging, accessible experience for young performers.

“Learning from Raphael is always amazing. He has a special way of making all the students get involved and truly engage with the lesson,” said Ms. Woodward. “It was a pleasure to showcase my teaching methods as a Juilliard Accomplished Teacher to a specialist in the field of drama.”

Meanwhile, Brian Drye conducted a series of transformative music sessions focused on the intersection of technical skill and expressive artistry. Students had the opportunity to perform and receive personalized feedback from an educator deeply rooted in Juilliard’s musical tradition. Emphasis was placed not only on mastering instruments, but also on expressing emotion and building authentic connections with the audience. In collaboration with NAISAK’s Music Teachers, Ms. Angela Leake and Ms. Laura Opperman, Drye provided valuable input on enhancing the school’s applied music curriculum—encouraging deeper musical understanding while nurturing creativity and self-expression.

“I really enjoyed the experience. It was especially inspiring to see how Brian connected with Year 8 students—using quick, engaging games that tied into familiar topics like electricity. It showed how effectively the curriculum works when applied in the right way,” said Ms. Leake.

The visit culminated in a special performance for an audience of parents, where selected students showcased their talents through vocal performances, instrumental pieces on the keyboard and violin, and compelling dramatic monologues. Following the performance, Drye and Peacock hosted an exclusive masterclass for the standout performers, offering in-depth feedback, guidance, and encouragement.

“The students did very well—they were respectful and followed every instruction given to them,” noted Ms. Leake. Ms. Woodward added, “I’m extremely proud of the students who performed in the masterclass concert. They were absolutely fantastic and made both me and the Drama Department proud!”

Earlier in the year, NAISAK had the pleasure of hosting Juilliard Dance Specialist Salla Saarikangas, whose sessions added further depth to the school’s creative arts program. Together, these visits highlight NAISAK’s unwavering commitment to building a world-class arts education—fueled by meaningful partnerships and a shared passion for excellence.