Who We Are

The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry.

For nearly a century Curtis has provided each member of its small student body with an unparalleled education alongside musical peers, distinguished by a “learn by doing” philosophy and personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians. With admissions based solely on artistic promise, no student is turned away due to financial need. Curtis invests in each admitted student, ensuring no tuition is charged for their studies and they enter the profession free from educational debt.

Our Mission and Vision

Curtis students hone their craft through more than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings and programs that bring arts access and education to the community. This real-world training allows these extraordinary young musicians to join the front rank of performers, composers, conductors, and musical leaders, making a profound impact on music onstage and in their communities.

Our Story

The Curtis Institute of Music opened on October 13, 1924. It fulfilled the fondest dream of Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the only child of Philadelphia-based Louisa Knapp and Cyrus H. K. Curtis, whose Curtis Publishing Company produced two of the most popular magazines in America: the Saturday Evening Post and the Ladies’ Home Journal.

Curtis Through The Years

1929

Scene in the Prologue of the opera "Tiefland" with Albert Mahler as "Pedro" and Daniel Healy as "Nando," both students of Horatio Connell.

Curtis Through The Years

1931

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Latest Curtis News

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Emilie Kealani on WHYY's "On Stage at Curtis"

Season 18 of WHYY's acclaimed On Stage at Curtis series continues with a portrait of rising young soprano Emilie Kealani.

Meet the Student: Q&A with Bass-Baritone Robert Frazier

Bass-baritone Robert Frazier, from Star Lake, NY, stars as the Parson, Badger, and Harašta in Curtis Opera Theatre's The Cunning Little Vixen.

Curtis Announces Expansion of Conducting Program, Providing Unparalleled Training for Emerging Conductors

Renowned conducting pedagogue James Ross (’89) appointed as Director of Orchestral Studies, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin appointed Head of Conducting.