Programs

Curtis students have always thrived on a distinctive, highly personalized education. Visiting artists of the highest rank complement the teaching of the superb faculty. Curtis’s unique “learn by doing” philosophy offers a rare level of onstage experience; and its small size and keen mission focus allow for the creation of unique all-school projects that integrate performance and classroom studies. Curtis continues to strengthen these offerings.

The Rock Resource Center complements and supports all these programs, and must continually keep pace with new technology and resources. Likewise Curtis must continually examine, assess, and improve all program elements to ensure they anticipate and meet the needs of a 21st-century musician.

Among the strategic steps Curtis took in FY 2011 to improve its educational program while maintaining its distinctive, personal approach:

• announced a new program in guitar, headed by leading guitarists David Starobin and Jason Vieaux, and auditioned applicants for the inaugural year of the program in 2011-12
• planned and launched the all-school project for 2010-11, Paris 1900–1950, culminating in a performance of Messiaen’s Turangalila-symphonie in collaboration with the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
• launched a comprehensive curricular review, Curtis’s first in decades, to continue through FY 2012
• continued, enhanced, and added collaborations with institutions in Philadelphia, nationally, and internationally to increase opportunities for our students