Student life at Curtis is primarily concentrated within the historic mansions at 1726 Locust Street and the facilities of Lenfest Hall at 1616 Locust Street.
Students at Curtis have nearly unlimited opportunities to perform. Curtis presents nearly 200 performances each season, ranging from orchestra concerts and opera productions to solo and chamber recitals. Students also have access to world-class arts organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Opera Philadelphia, and more, with these organizations frequently offering free or discounted tickets to Curtis students.
Outside of the practice room, Curtis takes pride in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment in which students can learn and perform to the best of their abilities. Frequent social and recreational activities are organized by Student Council and the residence life staff. Wellness activities are offered throughout the academic year in support of students’ physical and mental health. In addition, many traditions remain in practice that date back to the school’s founder, Mary Louise Curtis Bok, including Wednesday-afternoon tea and the annual holiday party. These unique events offer the entire Curtis community a break for refreshment, relaxation, and informal conversation.
"It’s a performance experience you can’t find anywhere else. You want to play, you sign up and play. Every single musician here is great. You’re swimming in music the entire week, all the time, with all the faculty, and classes, and rehearsals."
Daniel Hsu (Piano), Curtis student
"Curtis is the most loving, caring, and supportive community I have been in so far. It is a place to explore your playing, learn from your talented peers, play together, and have fun. Most importantly, it is a place where you can feel perfectly safe to make mistakes—which is crucial to your growth as an artist."
Gergana Haralampieva (Violin ’16)
"Curtis is a family, not just a school. It’s full of beautiful learning resources and opportunities, but in a familial safe haven. Art cannot exist in a box, and I admire that the administration supports and cherishes every student’s path and individual needs. I wish the rest of the world was this welcoming and attentive to each and every human being!"
Marié Rossano (Violin '16)
"The music I’ve heard and the people I’ve met at Curtis have changed me, and those things really go hand in hand. Everyone here loves music so deeply that it changes them as people. I go to school with artists—people who love what they do and who are so good at it—and I’m impressed every day by the level of music-making here, both by students and faculty. They all have motivated me and inspired me on such a high level."
Steven Franklin (Trumpet), Curtis student
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