The Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music gives the world's most talented young musicians a haven to learn by doing—and gives audiences a place to witness their pursuit of greatness.

The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry.

One of the most selective schools in the United States, Curtis accepts four percent of applicants each year on average, and a tuition-free policy ensures that talent and artistic promise are the only considerations for admission.

With a small student body of about 175, Curtis ensures that each young musician receives an education of unparalleled quality, distinguished by a “learn by doing” philosophy and personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians.

Curtis students hone their craft through more than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings each year and programs that bring arts access and education to the community. This real-world training allows these extraordinary young musicians to join the front rank of performers, composers, conductors, and musical leaders, making a profound impact on music onstage and in their communities.

The Curtis Institute of Music highly values a diverse international student body. Since 1924, Curtis has welcomed all applicants regardless of race, geographic origin, religious background, socio-economic level or gender.

Admissions are based on artistic promise alone. Enrollment is limited to the number of musicians needed for a symphony orchestra, opera department, and select programs in piano, composition, conducting, organ, and guitar, as well as community artist fellows and a string quartet in residence. Curtis provides full-tuition scholarships to all of its students.

Curtis sets no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students to most of its programs. Students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Curtis Diploma. These students pursue their musical studies at Curtis and their college-preparatory academic studies at an accredited public or private middle or high school of their own choosing.

Since 1928 Curtis has maintained an all-scholarship policy. The Curtis Institute of Music provides merit-based, full-tuition scholarships to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their financial situation.

For the 2017–18 school year, the annual value of this scholarship was $42,320 for undergraduate students and $52,548 for graduate students. These scholarships are renewed each year of a student’s enrollment. No financial aid application is required for the full-tuition scholarship.

In 2017–18, there were 13 Federal Pell Grant recipients. There were 139 students who received some type of financial assistance, including grants, loans, and student employment opportunities. Students who demonstrate financial need will be awarded adequate assistance to attend the Curtis Institute of Music. No student will have to leave Curtis solely because of financial need. Financial assistance for living expenses is based on financial need alone.

Student life at Curtis is primarily concentrated within the historic mansions at 1726 Locust Street and the facilities of Lenfest Hall at 1616 Locust Street.

Students at Curtis have nearly unlimited opportunities to perform. Curtis presents nearly 200 performances each season, ranging from orchestra concerts and opera productions to solo and chamber recitals. Students also have access to world-class arts organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Opera Philadelphia, and more, with these organizations frequently offering free or discounted tickets to Curtis students.

Outside of the practice room, Curtis takes pride in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment in which students can learn and perform to the best of their abilities. Frequent social and recreational activities are organized by Student Council and the residence life staff. Wellness activities are offered throughout the academic year in support of students’ physical and mental health. In addition, many traditions remain in practice that date back to the school’s founder, Mary Louise Curtis Bok, including Wednesday-afternoon tea and the annual holiday party. These unique events offer the entire Curtis community a break for refreshment, relaxation, and informal conversation.

For many, the teacher is the first consideration in choosing a music conservatory. With a 100-member performance faculty of active performing artists, Curtis offers your best opportunity to receive personalized attention from a master—or more than one—in your discipline.

With only 175 students, Curtis is small in size, but huge in stature. True, it’s America’s most selective conservatory—but once accepted, you will rehearse and perform alongside musical peers whose talents will challenge and inspire you. Curtis focuses its resources on a select group, so every student receives an education of the highest quality. This is the source of its elite reputation among musicians.

Curtis is committed to creating opportunities for the most promising young musicians—all of them—and is resolved to maintain a diverse and inclusive campus environment. This commitment to diversity extends beyond our walls, too, because anyone who cares about the art of music feels a deep sense of responsibility to make it available to as many people as possible. Through their community-based collaborations, Curtis students are working to build this access every day.

Everyone at Curtis believes that more people across all demographics exposed to classical music will ultimately result in increased diversity—in our audiences, among our applicants, and among the gifted artists who make fulfilling lives in music and inspire the next generation.