Our students experience an extraordinary journey in the arts through our exclusive collaboration with The Juilliard School. This partnership transforms learning into an immersive, inspiring experience where music education, dance education, and performing arts programs are not just subjects, but gateways to confidence, expression, and innovation.
Through Juilliard, NAISNY students learn more than performance. They learn resilience, empathy, and creativity. These skills prepare them not only for high school but for life in a global, interconnected world. As part of our promise to deliver personalized learning in a warm, welcoming community, this partnership exemplifies how we help students think big, act boldly, and make their mark on the world.
Our Juilliard partnership is more than a program. It is a philosophy. It connects students to world class performing arts specialists who ignite curiosity and foster creativity. In small, personalized classes, students explore Juilliard’s Core Works, gaining a deep understanding of artistic concepts while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills. This is what makes NAISNY one of the leading private schools in New York City for creative arts education.
Juilliard specialists Shanna Whitney (Music Curriculum Specialist) and Becka Vargus (Senior Dance Curriculum Specialist) have witnessed countless inspiring moments at NAISNY. Here are just a few:
Music Comes Alive for Our Youngest Learners
Shanna recalls co teaching a lesson on Meredith Monk’s Ellis Island with NAISNY teacher Ms. Williams. Students worked in small groups to create rhythmic patterns using percussion instruments, building confidence and ensemble skills. The highlight came when the class listened to Monk’s piece and their excitement overflowed.“Can we watch it again?!” This joy reflects how deeply students connect artistic exploration to real world works.
Dance as a Language of Expression
Becka shares a powerful experience with older students learning a complex phrase from choreographer Aszure Barton’s Return to Patience. Guided by NAISNY teacher Ms. Moffat, students explored how imagined settings influence movement. Their interpretations were unique and sophisticated, blending technical skill with personal creativity. The ultimate compliment came when students asked, “Can we keep working on this?!” Moments like these show how Juilliard’s approach nurtures individuality and artistic confidence.
Our talented teachers, Mr. Stephenson, Ms. Moffat, and Ms. Williams, bring Juilliard’s vision to life every day. They integrate music and dance into the curriculum, ensuring students experience the arts as a dynamic, collaborative process. Whether guiding a 2 year old through their first rhythm activity or helping an 8th grader refine a dance phrase, Ms. Williams, Ms. Moffat, and Mr. Stephenson create an environment where every child feels empowered to express themselves. This confidence carries over into academics, supporting a positive and equally engaging approach to learning.
Isobel Williams, our music teacher, shares how Juilliard inspired lessons create meaningful connections across subjects:
"In Early Years, learning the names of instruments becomes a powerful extension of letter sound development. When students encounter instruments like the bassoon through The Rite of Spring or the shekere in Herbie Hancock’s Succotash, they are not just hearing music. They are linking phonics to real world experiences. These sessions give children hands on opportunities to explore and even play the instruments they are discovering.”
As students progress, music becomes a lens for understanding history and culture. Juilliard lessons such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On help students see how musicians use artistry to inspire change and shape society. This cross curricular approach shows families that at NAISNY, music education is not an isolated subject. It is a dynamic tool for literacy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.
Ian Stephenson, our drama teacher, emphasizes how Juilliard’s Creative Classroom transforms expressive arts into a collaborative, confidence building experience:
“In Year 9, students explore an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland through Drama and Dance using Juilliard approaches that emphasize expression, collaboration, and creative risk taking. Lessons like Explaining the Inexplicable challenge students to craft bold physical and vocal choices, developing symbolic thinking and storytelling skills that strengthen both performance and literary analysis."
The unit culminates in a collaborative project inspired by Juilliard’s core work The Statement by choreographer Crystal Pite. Students choreograph the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, combining physical storytelling, spoken text, and character work. These experiences show parents that NAISNY offers unique opportunities for students to integrate drama, dance, and literature, building confidence, creativity, and communication skills that last a lifetime.
Molly Moffat, our dance teacher, shares why dance is an essential art form for students of all ages and how Juilliard enriches this experience:
“At NAISNY, the magic of the performing arts lies in nurturing every child’s growth and potential. As a dance teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students blossom in confidence and creativity over the years. Our program is built on the belief that the arts are for everyone, and each lesson is designed to ensure every child has the opportunity to shine. Watching their self belief flourish as they discover their unique artistic voices fills my heart with joy.”
We are always happy to welcome prospective families for in person tours throughout the year. Feel free to schedule a one on one visit with us anytime.
