Overview of Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a prestigious and highly selective conservatory dedicated to training exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists. Established in 1924, the institute has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading music conservatories, known for its small size, personalized instruction, and commitment to nurturing the artistic talents of its students.
History and Mission: Founded by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, a philanthropist and arts patron, the Curtis Institute of Music was established with the mission of providing tuition-free education to exceptionally talented young musicians. The institute aims to cultivate the artistic and professional development of its students, preparing them for successful careers as performers on the world stage. Curtis maintains a commitment to fostering a close-knit, supportive community of musicians who share a passion for excellence in their craft.
Tuition-Free Model: One of the distinctive features of Curtis Institute of Music is its tuition-free model. The institute covers the full cost of tuition for all admitted students, allowing them to focus entirely on their musical education without the financial burden of tuition fees. This unique approach ensures that admission is based solely on artistic merit, talent, and potential, rather than financial means. The institute’s commitment to providing a tuition-free education is a testament to its dedication to nurturing exceptional musical talent, regardless of economic background.
Programs and Degrees: Curtis offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with degrees such as Bachelor of Music, Diploma, Professional Studies Certificate, and Master of Music. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous musical education, covering areas such as performance, music theory, history, and pedagogy. Students have the opportunity to study with world-renowned faculty members and guest artists, receiving individualized attention and mentorship.
Faculty and Guest Artists: The faculty at Curtis Institute of Music consists of distinguished musicians who are not only accomplished performers but also dedicated educators. Faculty members work closely with students, providing personalized instruction and guidance to help them reach their full potential. In addition to the permanent faculty, Curtis regularly hosts guest artists, allowing students to benefit from the insights and expertise of leading figures in the music world through masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative performances.
Performance Opportunities: Performance is at the core of the Curtis experience, and students have abundant opportunities to showcase their talents. Weekly student recitals, ensemble performances, and larger productions provide students with valuable stage experience and exposure. The institute’s commitment to performance readiness is a key aspect of its training, preparing students for successful careers as concert musicians, soloists, and chamber musicians.
Small Size and Intimate Environment: Curtis deliberately maintains a small student body, ensuring an intimate and close-knit learning environment. This approach allows for individualized attention, mentorship, and a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The small size fosters a collaborative atmosphere, where musicians can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and create a supportive network that extends beyond their time at Curtis.
Alumni Success: Curtis Institute of Music has a remarkable track record of producing successful and influential musicians. Alumni of the institute include renowned performers, conductors, composers, and educators who have made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Notable alumni include Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Lang Lang, and Hilary Hahn, among many others.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Curtis Institute of Music is housed in a modern and purpose-built facility in the heart of Philadelphia. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include practice rooms, performance spaces, recording studios, and a music library, providing students with the resources they need for their musical studies.
Community Engagement: While focused on the rigorous training of its students, Curtis Institute of Music is also dedicated to community engagement. Through outreach programs, performances in the local community, and collaborations with other cultural institutions, the institute seeks to share the transformative power of music with a broader audience.
The Curtis Institute of Music stands as a beacon for exceptional musical talent, offering a world-class education in a close-knit and supportive community. Its commitment to providing a tuition-free education, fostering artistic excellence, and preparing students for successful careers has solidified its place as a leading institution in the world of classical music education. The institute’s rich history, accomplished faculty, and impressive roster of alumni contribute to its reputation as a preeminent conservatory for aspiring musicians.
1726 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 893-5262
Email: admissions@curtis.edu
Web site: http://www.curtis.edu
Rankings: Curtis Institute of Music
Located in Philadelphia, PA, Curtis Institute of Music is one of the best universities in the state of Pennsylvania. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Curtis Institute of Music in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Curtis Institute of Music.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | N/A |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | N/A |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 98.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 95.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | N/A |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | N/A |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | N/A |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 3.4% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | N/A |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 4.0% |
| Financial resources rank: | N/A |
| Alumni giving rank: | N/A |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 26.8% |
Essential Facts: Curtis Institute of Music
- Curtis Institute of Music is located in downtown Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. The closest hotels are within a block of the institute.
- The Curtis campus reflects the rich heritage of the institution and the many musicians who have been trained here.
- Since its opening, Curtis graduates have won Pulitzer Prizes, Guggenheim Fellowships, and Avery Fisher Awards. In every major American orchestra, a Curtis alum can be found.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | N/A |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 0% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | music ensembles, opera, student government, symphony orchestra |