5 Famous Musicians Who Went To Julliard

5 Famous Musicians Who Went To Julliard


April 1, 2024 | Marlon Wright

5 Famous Musicians Who Went To Julliard


Juilliard, a prestigious school in NYC, has trained talented musicians throughout history. Many famous artists have honed their craft there. These are five well-known musicians who studied at Juilliard.

1711940209043Brian Lauer | Flickr

Yo-Yo Ma

Born to Chinese parents in Paris, Yo-Yo Ma is considered one of the greatest cellists in history. At just five years old, he began his studies at Juilliard with the famous cellist Leonard Rose. His remarkable skill was apparent since he was young, and he rapidly became well-known as a virtuoso artist. Today, Yo-Yo Ma is famous not just for his skill in playing the cello, but also for his varied repertoire and dedication to music education and outreach.

1711944337404Wikimedia Commons

Itzhak Perlman

Itzhak Perlman, a famous violinist known for his incredible talent and emotive performances, began studying with Ivan Galamian at Juilliard as a teen. His exceptional abilities have brought him worldwide fame, establishing him as one of the most sought-after classical musicians. Perlman's engaging personality has also endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Violinist-Itzhak-Perlman-Performs-During-The-White-House-State-Dinner-In-Honor-042E7APicryl

Advertisement

Nina Simone

Nina Simone, originally Eunice Waymon, was a groundbreaking musician known for her unique style blending jazz, blues, and classical elements. Her time at Juilliard influenced her musical growth, leading to hit songs like "Feeling Good" and "I Put a Spell on You" that continue to resonate with audiences today. Simone's powerful vocals and insightful lyrics established her as a pioneer in the music industry during the 20th century.

1711944431750Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

John Williams

John Williams, a renowned composer, gained piano skills at Juilliard before creating iconic scores for movies such as "Star Wars", "Jurassic Park", and "Harry Potter". His focus on classical music and composition at Juilliard prepared him for his successful Hollywood career, earning him numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards.

1711948966598Chris Devers | Flickr

Advertisement

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey, known primarily as an actor, also has a musical background with piano training at Juilliard's Pre-College Division. While acting became his main focus, his appreciation for music has influenced his artistic choices, often incorporating it into his stage and screen performances.

1711949006075World Economic Forum | Flickr


READ MORE

Mary Pickford Facts
May 17, 2025 Samantha Henman

America’s First Sweetheart Had A Tragic Secret

Mary Pickford, a beloved silent film star, was known for her sweetness and charm. Despite her fame, her life was filled with tragedy. After her career faded, she became a recluse—but now all her Hollywood secrets are out, and they tell a chilling story of the early days of film.
Sd Interal
May 16, 2025 Samantha Henman

Hollywood’s Most Difficult Star Hid A Dark Secret

People magazine once called Shannen Doherty the “iconic bad girl of the 1990s". She made a career playing bad girls, and her on-screen persona leaked into her real life in the most scandalous way.
Wrthumb
May 14, 2025 Samantha Henman

The Last Cowboy Who Captured America’s Heart, Then Lost It

Will Rogers could simultaneously throw three lassos, but nothing could protect him from the fatal journey that took his life.
Portrait of Jack Nicholson
May 13, 2025 Samantha Henman

Jack Nicholson's Scandalous Hollywood Past

For much of his life, Jack Nicholson had no idea about a dark family secret. When a reporter dug up the truth, the actor was in for the shock of a lifetime.
Internalfb Image
May 12, 2025 Alex Summers

25 Times Networks Gambled And Lost On 80s Television

You can almost hear the pitch: “Trust us, it’ll work”. And then it didn’t. These are the TV moments that make you wonder who said yes in the first place.
Internalfb Image
May 12, 2025 Alex Summers

20 Best Religious Films (Ranked According To IMDb)

Movies tackle faith in countless ways. IMDb users have rated these religious films highest among spiritual cinema. Some directors approach divinity with reverence. Others ask tough questions. The best films? Well, they do both.