Juilliard Extension Division Partners with Sunrise Senior Living

The partnership will offer learning opportunities to the elderly, to help enrich their health and wellbeing

A new partnership will see the Juilliard Extension Division offer high-level music study to the elderly residents of Sunrise Senior Living, on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The initiative aims to offer residents the cognitive benefits of lifelong learning, as well as the health and wellness benefits of participating in creative pursuits.

The program will see seniors participating in three 12-week semesters per year, which will take place live and in-person in their homes. The course includes 12 tailored one-hour weekly classes during the academic year taught by Juilliard Extension’s distinguished dance, drama, and music faculty members.

In addition, seniors will have access to livestreamed and on-demand Juilliard performances for their own inspiration and enjoyment.

"We know that engaging in the performing arts can have a profound impact on our emotional and psychological well-being," said John-Morgan Bush, the Dean of the Juilliard Extension Division. "The performing arts foster social connection, a sense of belonging, curiosity, and meaningful relationships while nurturing mental health. We are excited to bring these exceptional performing arts and lifelong learning experiences to the Sunrise at East 56th community."

"Our residents have a strong appetite for continued learning and access to the arts," said Denise Falco, the senior vice president of operations at Sunrise Senior Living. "This special collaboration with Juilliard will allow our residents to enjoy renowned performing arts, from music to dance, within their home at Sunrise at East 56th. We look forward to further enriching the lives of our residents through this partnership and working together to promote lifelong learning with Juilliard’s expert team of faculty and staff."