Why Juilliard Students are Protesting

Summary

The video discusses the escalating tuition fees at Juilliard School of Music, leading to student protests. Despite having a $1.1 billion endowment, the institution has increased fees from $43,170 in 2017 to $51,230 in 2022, causing financial distress for students. The protest, led by the Socialist Penguins, faced a controversial response from the administration, including threats of suspension. The video questions the value of Juilliard's education in light of these issues and compares it to more affordable music institutions worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🎼 The Juilliard School of Music is renowned for music and performing arts education, but recent tuition fee hikes have sparked student protests.
• 📈 Tuition fees have risen significantly from $43,170 in 2017 to $51,230 in 2022, which has led to financial strain among students.
• 👨‍🎓 The Socialist Penguins, a student-organized group, led a protest demanding a tuition freeze, highlighting the financial challenges faced by students.
• 🚫 During the protest, security attempted to lock students in, raising safety and legal concerns, which was met with outrage.
• 🤔 The school's response to the protest included identifying participants and threatening suspensions, which could impact academic progress.
• 🏫 Despite having a $1.1 billion endowment, Juilliard has not been able to justify the tuition increase to the students' satisfaction.
• 🤝 Faculty members, who reportedly oppose the fee hike, fear speaking out due to potential job loss, indicating a lack of open dialogue.
• 🏛️ Comparisons with other institutions show that Juilliard's fees are notably higher, even when considering the endowment and facilities.
• 💰 The financial burden on students is exacerbated by the loss of in-person rehearsals and performance opportunities due to the pandemic.
• 🌐 International music education fees vary widely, with some institutions offering more affordable options, raising questions about Juilliard's value proposition.
• 🔍 The discussion suggests that the true value of a music education may lie in personal growth and networking opportunities, not just institutional prestige.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script about Juilliard School of Music?

The main issue discussed is the increasing and expensive tuition fees at Juilliard School of Music, which have led to student protests as many can no longer afford them.

What is the name of the student-organized group leading the protests at Juilliard?

The student-organized group leading the protests is called the Socialist Penguins.

What specific incident during the protest raised concerns about safety?

During the protest, security attempted to lock the students in on the second floor of a building, which raised concerns about safety, including the availability of fire escape.

How did the school respond to the student protest?

The school identified every student who attended the protest and sent them a threatening email, implying possible suspension if they entered the building.

What impact could the protest and subsequent actions have on students' academic results?

The protest and the school's response could cause students to miss rehearsals, which are graded, potentially negatively affecting their academic results.

How have tuition fees at Juilliard changed from 2017 to 2022?

Tuition fees at Juilliard increased from $43,170 in 2017 to $51,230 in 2022.

What was the reported reason for the tuition fee increase according to the video script?

The reported reason for the tuition fee increase was inflation, as mentioned in the email sent to the students.

What financial resources does Juilliard have, as mentioned in the script?

Juilliard has an endowment of 1.1 billion dollars, as mentioned in the video script.

What was the reaction of the faculty to the tuition fee increase according to the video?

Many faculty members, including teachers and musicians, are against the tuition fee increase but are unable to speak up due to fear of losing their jobs.

How do the tuition fees at Juilliard compare to other music institutions worldwide?

Compared to other institutions, Juilliard's tuition fees are significantly higher. For example, Yong Siew Toh in Singapore charges $10,000 per year, and Curtis Institute of Music remains tuition-free.

What is the concern about the value of a Juilliard education given the high tuition fees and the shift to online classes?

The concern is that with high tuition fees and many classes moved online, students are not receiving the full value of their education, particularly in terms of in-person lessons, networking, and performance opportunities.