Admissions Overview

The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage both local and global communities through the highest level of artistry. As a tuition-free conservatory, we maintain a deliberately small student body—around 160 students—to provide highly personalized, intensive training with world-class faculty and abundant performance opportunities.

Curtis faculty includes a high proportion of eminent performing musicians who connect students to professional life in an evolving art form. Curtis’s 113-member faculty also includes highly-credentialed instructors in musical studies, liberal arts, and career studies.

Curtis provides complete and diversified musical training where students study with distinguished artist-teachers in private lessons, repertoire classes, and chamber music coachings. Students can work toward a Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, and Professional Studies Certificate.

Curtis highly values a diverse international student body and selects students based on merit alone. Since our founding in 1924, we have welcomed all applicants regardless of race, geographic origin, religious background, socio-economic status, gender, or sexual orientation. Curtis applicants submit an online application with required materials; selected candidates are then invited to audition.

Tuition is free for all students—always. All Curtis students receive full-tuition scholarships, regardless of financial circumstances. Need-based financial aid is also available to help cover living expenses.

At Curtis, campus life revolves around a shared passion for music. Join a close-knit community where students and faculty inspire one another, and where lifelong friendships grow through shared interests, creativity, and collaboration.

Find opportunities to tour the Curtis campus in Philadelphia, attend Q&A sessions, and explore informative talks with Curtis representatives.

Email: admissions@curtis.edu
Phone: (215) 717-3172