Itzhak Perlman is one of the Juilliard faculty members and alumni doing their bit for the school's scholarship fund. Juilliard has launched a 'Lessons of a Lifetime' internet auction to benefit the fund, and the items on offer include lessons and workshops with some of the school's renowned teachers.

Emanuel Ax is offering a private piano lesson and James DePreist a conducting tutorial and the chance to conduct the Juilliard Conductor's Orchestra. But for a more convivial and less nerve-racking option, you can share a Peking duck lunch with violin legend Itzhak Perlman at Shun Lee, an upmarket Chinese restaurant on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Bids can be placed until 15 October at www.biddingforgood.com/JuilliardAuction.