Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, PA
1726 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-435-1698

Founded in 1924, the Curtis Institute of Music is one of the world’s leading conservatories. It offers its 175 students full-tuition scholarships and the opportunity to pursue their musical studies with the finest faculty. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Curtis provides a supportive environment for its students, who come from all over the world and represent a wide range of musical styles.

Curtis is committed to a tradition of excellence and innovation in musical education. The institute’s alumni are in the forefront of the musical world, winning Grammy, Emmy, and Tony awards, and occupying important positions in orchestras, opera companies, and ensembles around the globe. Many of the world’s most celebrated musicians have studied at Curtis, including Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Menahem Pressler, and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.

Curtis offers a comprehensive education in music, with programs in orchestral instruments, piano, voice, and composition. Students have the opportunity to perform in a wide range of ensembles, including the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, which performs regularly in Philadelphia and tours internationally. Curtis also offers a unique Artist Diploma program for exceptionally gifted musicians.

The institute’s innovative curriculum is based on the belief that musicians need to be well-rounded, knowledgeable about the history and theory of music, and able to communicate effectively. Curtis students therefore have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including music history, ear training, sight-reading, and music technology.

Curtis is located in the University City section of Philadelphia, a short distance from the city’s renowned cultural institutions, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. The institute’s campus includes several historic buildings, including the former home of Leopold Stokowski, which has been renovated to provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty.



Quick Facts

Enrollment: 145

Acceptance Rate: 2.44%

Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Main Website: https://www.curtis.edu/

Financial Aid: https://www.curtis.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/

Annual Costs

Total Cost In-State On-Campus: $24539

Total Cost Out-State On-Campus: $24539