A sketch of the Tianjin Juilliard School. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Separately, Polisi says the school aims to train "complete musicians", which means that it requires students to be involved in working in communities, such as hospitals and seniors' centers, playing music for patients and the elderly.

"We do not just want to train the younger generation to be musicians, but also to produce efficient and happy young people," says Polisi.

"It's great to play music at concert halls. But it's also meaningful to play music at children's hospitals."

Musicians must play music that makes people happy and brings hope, Polisi adds.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn