Admissions Overview
Admission is a two-step process: applying and auditioning.
Curtis Institute of Music highly values a diverse international student body. Since its founding in 1924, Curtis has welcomed all applicants regardless of race, geographic origin, religious background, socio-economic level, gender, or sexual orientation.
It is understood and agreed that the submission of an application does not obligate Curtis Institute of Music to provide an audition.
Why Curtis?
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.
Our Faculty
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.
Degrees & Diplomas
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.
How to Apply
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.
Financial Aid & Tuition
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.
Student Life
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.
Visit & Connect
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