Younger Students

The Curtis Institute of Music does not offer a preparatory music or academic program. It is believed that gifted young musicians should study with leading teachers from the beginning of their conservatory days.

Accordingly Curtis sets no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students to most of its programs. Even the youngest, elementary school-aged students receive musical training from the same teachers at the same intensive levels as do their older colleagues (the only difference being that the younger students may receive extra lessons).

Elementary and Secondary School Students
Activities Required of Pre-college Students
Outside Academic Schooling
Support Services for Pre-College Students

Elementary and secondary school students

Until they earn a high-school diploma or equivalent and take the SAT I and, if necessary, the TOEFL, students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Diploma*. These students pursue their musical studies at Curtis and their college-preparatory academic studies at an accredited public or private high school of their own choosing. Several such schools are within walking distance of Curtis. Students must make their own arrangements for the payment of tuition and other fees. Financial aid is available at most private schools. Limited funding may be available from Curtis based on need.

Students under sixteen years old are required to have a parent or adult guardian living with them. The school encourages all students under eighteen to live with a parent, guardian, or older student. In consultation with the dean and the faculty, academically advanced younger students may on occasion be permitted to enroll in academic courses for which they demonstrate superior aptitude.

* Non-native speakers of English are required to take the TOEFL. The TOEFL scores for students entering the Diploma program will be used for placement purposes only.

Contact

Laurel Grady, associate dean of student services and international student affairs, (215) 717-3165

Activities required of pre-college-aged students

Performance

Major Lesson
Chamber Music (required for pianists and orchestral instrument majors age fourteen and older)
Orchestra (required for orchestral instrument majors age sixteen and older)
Supplementary Piano (not required for piano majors)

Musical Studies

Preparatory Musical Studies

Outside Academic Schooling

Pre-college-aged students must be enrolled in an accredited elementary- or secondary-school program or other approved program. (The registrar must be informed of student enrollment in non-Curtis academic programs.)

Students must maintain satisfactory grades (which Curtis defines as 2.0 or better) in their school programs, and they must provide Curtis with evidence of satisfactory progress each marking period or semester.

Support Services For Pre-College Students

The Young Artists Initiative Program

Curtis has a long tradition of encouraging artists of every age to pursue their musical talents. In an effort to support our precollege-age students as effectively as possible, we developed the Young Artists Initiative. Curtis has no “preparatory program.” Students, regardless of their age, begin their intensive studies fully and immediately with our celebrated faculty. We feel that this approach enriches student learning in the best possible way. In support of that learning, the Young Artist Initiative was designed to provide a coordinated and holistic approach to support our precollege-age students across every facet of their educational experience.

The Young Artists Initiative provides support to the young artist:

Assignment of a faculty or staff mentor
Musical Studies instruction tailored to younger students, including structured courses in music theory and solfège and specialized tutorials
Age-appropriate social activities designed by our Student Services Office
Peer advice through the Buddies Program
Social interaction with local families through the Host Program
Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL)
Guidance on enrollment in high school or middle school
Access to age-appropriate counseling services with our mental health team, for individuals or in groups

The Young Artists Initiative monitors the young artist’s progress:

All audition finalists and their parents are interviewed by the Student Services staff to help the family understand the unique demands of studying at Curtis. (The interview has no bearing on the admissions decision.)
Student Services staff members are available as a resource to help identify special needs regarding language, educational progress, adjustment issues, etc.
Regular reviews of student progress are conducted by the Committee on Academic Standing and the Student Services Office.
Regular meetings with faculty and staff may take place throughout the year, as warranted.
The Associate Dean of Student Services stays in close touch with the student’s middle school or high school to ensure satisfactory completion of coursework. (Completing work toward the high school diploma is considered essential to a young student’s success at Curtis.)

For more information, contact Admissions Officer Chris Hodges or Associate Dean Laurel Grady.

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