Curtis has a unique advantage: it’s free to attend.
The Philadelphia-based conservatory offers full-tuition scholarships to all its students, a benefit shared by very few other music schools nationwide.
The Curtis Institute’s combination of free tuition, world-class faculty, which includes many members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and exceptional alumni make it a top choice for many students.
As someone who has guided hundreds of students through the college application process, I can attest to the life-changing opportunity Curtis presents.
Founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the institute grew from her experiences at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Bok’s vision was to create a conservatory that would train the next generation of musical talent through rigorous teaching and performance standards.
The success of Curtis’s approach is evident in its alumni’s achievements. Graduates have gone on to win prestigious awards and secure positions in major orchestras across America.
With a student body of just 160 students, Curtis fosters a close-knit community ensuring individual attention, maintaining a largely 1-on-1 learning environment.
The school celebrates legacy. Many of its original traditions, such as Wednesday tea, are still in place today!
Today, let’s talk more about Curtis, its offerings, acceptance rate, and more.
Curtis Institute of Music Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Curtis is 4%.
That means about 1 in every 25 students who apply ultimately gets accepted.
Curtis is the most competitive music school in the entire world, in terms of acceptance rate.
In a recent year, it was actually one of the 10 most selective schools in the entire country; it’s company included Stanford, CalTech, Harvard, and others.
Many programs at Curtis, in a given year, do not even accept new students, as some instruments/studios are completely booked up.
Usually, when that happens, you will be refunded your application fee should you have applied beforehand.
Facts About Curtis
Here are some quick facts about Curtis.
Number of Students: 160 (source)
Number of Faculty: 113 (source)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 4:3 (source)
Tuition: $0 (free tuition for all students, which if they had to pay, would be valued at $52,871)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Performances Per Year: 150+
Curtis’ Ranking In Major Publications
Because of its free tuition and low acceptance rate, combined with the world-class faculty and average student level of ability, Curtis is frequently ranked among the top schools in the country.
Here are some of its rankings:
All rankings should be taken as just a starting point.
Ask 10 professional musicians where they think a school like Curtis ranks and all 10 of them will give a different opinion.
That being said, Curtis is one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world, and it’s hard to turn down an acceptance to the school.
Notable Alumni of Curtis
The Curtis Institute has consistently produced some of the most influential and talented musicians in the classical world.
Leonard Bernstein, perhaps Curtis’s most famous alumnus, revolutionized American music with his compositions and conducting. His work on “West Side Story” alone secured his place in music history, but his impact extends far beyond Broadway.
Curtis boasts several exceptional piano soloist graduates. Lang Lang, known for his outgoing style and technical ability, has become a global classical music superstar.
Yuja Wang, another Curtis alumna, has taken the classical world by storm with her virtuosic technique and bold interpretations.
Yefim Bronfman, a more understated but equally brilliant pianist, has earned Grammy Awards for his powerful performances.
The violin department has produced its share of luminaries, including Hilary Hahn. A child prodigy turned international soloist, Hahn has won multiple Grammy Awards and is renowned for her thoughtful approach to both classical and contemporary repertoire.
In the realm of composition, Samuel Barber and Jennifer Higdon stand out.
Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” has become one of the most recognizable pieces of 20th-century classical music. Higdon, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is one of the most performed living American composers.
The vocal department can claim Juan Diego Flórez as an alumnus. This Peruvian tenor has dazzled audiences worldwide with a remarkable bel canto style.
Conducting is another area where Curtis graduates excel. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, currently at the helm of both the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra, represents a new generation of dynamic, versatile conductors.
From concert halls to opera houses, from composing scores to conducting podiums, Curtis graduates have shaped the world of classical music.
Current Faculty at Curtis
Let’s take a look at some of the remarkable individuals currently shaping young minds at Curtis.
Few names resonate as strongly as Midori. Midori’s teaching philosophy extends beyond the practice room, emphasizing the importance of community engagement through the Midori & Friends organization.
The vocal department boasts Eric Owens, a bass-baritone whose commanding presence has graced the world’s most prestigious opera stages.
At the helm of the institution is Roberto Díaz, who uniquely serves as both President and viola faculty member. He was previously the Principal Violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Another faculty member, in the winds program, is Jeffrey Khaner, Principal Flute of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Violinist Pamela Frank is another faculty member, an active soloist who has performed with the orchestras of Philadelphia, Cleveland, Boston, San Francisco, and many others.
Rounding out our highlight is guitarist Jason Vieaux, whose Grammy-winning artistry spans classical and contemporary repertoire. Vieaux’s versatility offers guitar students a comprehensive view of their instrument’s possibilities in the 21st-century music landscape.
Ignat Solzhenitsyn is a renowned pianist and conductor who has been at Curtis for two decades.
The composition department benefits from the expertise of Jonathan Bailey Holland, an accomplished composer whose music has been performed by classical ensembles worldwide.
Who Curtis is a Good Fit For
The Curtis Institute of Music caters to a specific type of student, offering an intensive and focused environment for those deeply committed to classical music.
Here’s a breakdown of who might find Curtis to be their ideal educational setting:
Curtis is tailor-made for students passionate about classical music. Whether you’re an instrumentalist, conductor, composer, or singer, the conservatory setting provides an immersive experience in your chosen field.
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Curtis is perfect for those who thrive in city environments. The vibrant cultural scene complements the intensive musical training.
The school’s close connection to the Philadelphia Orchestra offers unparalleled mentorship opportunities. Students can learn directly from world-class musicians and gain insights into professional orchestral life.
If you’re looking to dedicate yourself entirely to music without the distraction of broader academic studies, Curtis’s specialized curriculum could be ideal.
Many Curtis students have been receiving professional instruction for over a decade before admission. The school is an excellent fit for those with extensive prior training who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
However, Curtis may not be the best fit for everyone. Here are some considerations:
With no dedicated contemporary music program, those interested in jazz or other modern styles would not find the major suiting their interests.
If you’re hoping to combine music with another academic discipline in college in a dual degree, Curtis’s focused approach doesn’t accommodate double majoring.
In essence, Curtis is ideal for those who eat, sleep, and breathe classical music and are ready to immerse themselves fully in that world.
Its urban setting, orchestral connections, and intensive focus create a unique environment for nurturing classical music talent.
PS
Interested in schools like the Curtis Institute of Music?
See what Heather and Jay had to say about their daughter, who was accepted to Curtis, working with Music School Central.
