How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying to Curtis Institute of Music.

Admission is a two-step process: applying and auditioning. Please check the requirements below needed to complete the online application. It is understood and agreed that the submission of an application does not obligate the Curtis Institute of Music to provide an audition.

All audition dates, procedures, and protocols will be posted on the Audition page as they become available.

Fall 2025 Admissions Process Timeline

  • Timeline

    Audition dates vary by department and are scheduled based on the availability of the faculty. Please check the Audition page for specific information on audition procedures. 

    Below you will find a general timeline for our application process. 

    Application timing is as follows: 

    • September 1: Applications available.
    • December 10: Deadline to apply. Applications submitted after this date may be considered on a case-by-case basis and will incur an additional $75 late fee. 
    • January: Applicants invited to audition live will be notified during this month. 
    • February and March: Live auditions. Auditions are held in person on campus in Philadelphia. 
    • April: Notification of admission and financial aid status provided.
    • May: Admissions decisions released.
    • June: Standardized test results due (if applicable).

Application Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the specific requirements below, applicants should possess physical aptitude for the chosen instrument, a good ear, a sense of rhythm, and the ability to read at sight.

  • Create Your Application Account

    Prospective students can apply to Curtis here.

    You will be asked to create a username and password, which will allow you to save your application before submission. After completing and submitting your application, you will be able to download and view it. The application, all required documents, and fees must be submitted within the application platform.

  • Required Documents

    As you complete the application, you will see it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the required documents are submitted in English. The official seal and signature of the translator must appear on any translated document.

    There will be a section on the application to upload the following information.

    • Applicants should upload an unofficial copy of their transcript. Official transcripts should be mailed after admissions decisions are made.
    • Addresses for your parents or guardians and their employers.
    • Addresses and dates of study with private teachers.
    • Addresses and dates of study at high school and/or previous college.
    • A list of scholarships, awards, etc., received and their amounts.
    • A response to four short essay questions.
    • A list of composers and works, including technical studies, that you have studied intensively and consider a part of your repertoire.
    • At least one uploadable copy of a concert or recital program in which you have participated (featuring your name).
    • Three recommendations: One from your current private teacher, and two from musicians or mentors who are qualified to judge your personal and musical talents (excluding relatives). Be sure to include your recommenders’ email addresses as they will receive a link to complete the recommendation on your behalf.
    • For voice and opera applicants: A description of professional experience, if any, including roles and dates performed, names of performing organizations, non-operatic musical activities, and dramatic training and experience.
    • Bachelor of Music applicants: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) scores (optional).
    • Non-native speakers of English
      • Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Professional Studies Certificate, and Diploma applicants who are not native speakers of English: TOEFL, or Cambridge, or IELTS, and Optional SAT I scores.
  • Essay Questions
    In the process of completing your application you will be presented with a section in which to respond to the questions below.

    1. Why do you want to study at Curtis? (150 words)

    2. What inspires you as an artist? (250 words)

    3. Please tell us how you managed a challenging experience. What did you learn, and how might your experience inform your participation in the Curtis community? (300 words)

     4. Your application details your accomplishments as a musician. In this space, please tell us about a special interest outside of music that gives you joy. (250 words)

  • Screening Materials

    All applicants (with the exception of applicants in guitar and organ) are required to submit pre-screening materials with their application in order to be considered for an invitation to audition in person. Applicants will be notified of their application status by mid-January including decisions regarding auditions.

    Please see Audition page for prescreening and live audition requirements.

  • Application Fees & Waivers

    Application Fees

    • Online application fee: $150
    • Screening fee: $100 (required for all applicants except guitar and organ). If the applicant is invited for a live audition, the screening fee will apply as credit towards the $150 audition fee due by the department’s audition date.
    • Audition fee: $150
    • Materials submitted after deadlines incur an additional $75 late fee.

    All fees are payable via the application platform. This fee must be paid before the applicant is permitted to audition. Fees are payable in U.S. dollars.

    Fee Waivers

    Applicants of any nationality who demonstrate significant financial need are eligible for a fee waiver request. After starting your application, please fill out this form to submit your request.

Program Entrance Requirements

Undergraduate students at Curtis are enrolled in either the Diploma or Bachelor of Music programs. Students who wish to enter the Bachelor of Music program must meet the program’s entrance requirements by submitting the most current official transcript of high school and (if applicable) college academic work, as well as optional standardized test scores and English proficiency exam results.

Learn more about the curriculum at Curtis.

  • Bachelor of Music

    The Bachelor of Music is open to all departments. Applicants who submit standardized test scores and English proficiency scores an SAT score with their application materials are eligible to be admitted into the Bachelor of Music program upon matriculation. Applicants who do not submit scores with their application materials are automatically placed into the non-degree undergraduate Diploma program until they provide evidence of academic achievement in their first year of coursework at Curtis and entrance to the Bachelor of Music program is determined by the Committee on Academic Standing.

    The following documents are required for admission to the Bachelor of Music upon matriculation.

    • A complete official high school or, if applicable, college transcript in English, with grades and graduation date. Bachelor of Music applicants must upload an unofficial transcript directly to the admissions application as specified.
    • Admitted students who wish to enter the Bachelor of Music program upon matriculation must submit an official transcript to the Registrar in advance of matriculation.
    • Official scores for the SAT (optional)
    • For non-native English speakers: Official scores on English-language tests (please see below)

    Note: Curtis’s College Board Code is 2100

    These documents will be reviewed as the Committee considers individual applicants. Strong academic performance in high school is highly valued. For students transferring into Curtis from another academic institution, evidence of strong academic performance will also be required.

    Additional Information

    Application for the Bachelor of Music degree requires a recognized high school diploma. Homeschooled students should be prepared to submit a transcript of coursework and evidence of completion of high school.

    Requirements for Non-native English Speakers

    • For non-native English speakers, Curtis requires one of the following test scores.
    • TOEFL ITP written, score minimum of 550
    • Computer-based TOEFL test, score minimum of 213
    • Internet TOEFL iBT, score minimum of 79-80
    • IELTS, score minimum of 6.5-7.0
    • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169
  • Master of Music

    The Master of Music is open to all departments with the exception of flute, bass trombone, and piano.

    • Prerequisite: Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent

    For native speakers of English, standardized tests are not required.

    For non-native English speakers, Curtis requires one of the following test scores.

    • TOEFL ITP written, score minimum of 550
    • Computer-based TOEFL test, score minimum of 213
    • Internet TOEFL iBT, score minimum of 79-80
    • IELTS, score minimum of 6.5-7.0
    • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169

    Non-native speakers of English who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university where English is the language of instruction will be exempted from taking an English proficiency exam.

  • Diploma

    For native speakers of English, standardized tests are not required.

    For non-native speakers of English, the following tests are not required for admission but will be used for placement purposes.

    • TOEFL ITP written, score minimum of 550
    • Computer-based TOEFL test, score minimum of 213
    • Internet TOEFL iBT, score minimum of 79-80
    • IELTS, score minimum of 6.5-7.0
    • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169
  • Post-Baccalaureate Diploma

    The post-baccalaureate program is open to all departments with the exception of flute.

    • Prerequisite: Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent

    For native speakers of English, standardized tests are not required.

    For non-native English speakers, Curtis requires one of the following test scores.

    • TOEFL ITP written, score minimum of 550
    • Computer-based TOEFL test, score minimum of 213
    • Internet TOEFL iBT, score minimum of 79-80
    • IELTS, score minimum of 6.5-7.0
    • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169

    Non-native speakers of English who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university where English is the language of instruction will be exempted from taking an English proficiency exam.

  • Professional Studies Certificate in Opera

    For native speakers of English, standardized tests are not required.

    For non-native English speakers, Curtis requires one of the following test scores.

    • TOEFL ITP written, score minimum of 550
    • Computer-based TOEFL test, score minimum of 213
    • Internet TOEFL iBT, score minimum of 79-80
    • IELTS, score minimum of 6.5-7.0
    • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169

    Non-native speakers of English who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university where English is the language of instruction will be exempted from taking an English proficiency exam.

  • Younger Applicants

    For non-native speakers of English, official standardized test scores may be requested for placement purposes.

International Students

Each year musicians come to the Curtis Institute of Music from over 20 countries worldwide to study with its acclaimed faculty. Today nearly 40 percent of the students enrolled at Curtis are from abroad. After international students are admitted to Curtis they will work with the International Student Affairs Office to obtain a student visa and any other important documents needed to study in the United States. All application and audition materials are the same for all students applying to Curtis.

Additional rules and regulations apply to students temporarily residing in the United States for the purpose of study.

Younger Students

The Curtis Institute of Music does not offer a preparatory music or academic program, in the belief that gifted young musicians should study with leading teachers from the beginning of their conservatory days.

Accordingly Curtis sets no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students to most of its programs. Even the youngest, elementary school-aged students receive musical training from the same teachers at the same intensive levels as do their older colleagues. Younger students may receive extra lessons.

For Elementary and Secondary School Students
  • The Program

    Until they earn a high-school diploma or equivalent and take the SAT and, if necessary, the TOEFL, students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Diploma. (Non-native speakers of English are required to take the TOEFL; TOEFL scores for students entering the Diploma program will be used for placement purposes only.) These students pursue their musical studies at Curtis and their college-preparatory academic studies at an accredited public or private school of their own choosing. Several such schools are within walking distance of Curtis.

  • Outside Academic Schooling

    Pre-college-aged students must be enrolled in an accredited elementary- or secondary-school program or other approved program. (The registrar must be informed of student enrollment in non-Curtis academic programs.) It is the student and family’s responsibility to make an appointment with the appropriate person at the school of choice to discuss school schedules, classes, financial obligations, and deadlines. Students must maintain satisfactory grades (which Curtis defines as 2.0 or better) in their school programs, and they must provide Curtis with evidence of satisfactory progress each marking period or semester.

    For information about schools near Curtis, contact Richard McGovern, manager of student life and international affairs.

  • Costs

    Costs for tuition, fees, books, school uniforms, and other expenditures are the responsibility of the student and family. Contact the school of choice to request information about financial assistance available at that school. Most schools have payment plan options. Students must apply for all outside scholarships and grants before requesting financial assistance from Curtis. When meeting with the school of choice, students and family should bring the Curtis financial aid award letter. Please be advised that Curtis has limited funding for high school, middle school, and elementary school tuition. For additional questions, contact Veronica McAuley, director of student financial assistance.

  • Accelerated Coursework

    High school students wishing to take an accelerated course load at their school of choice should submit requests to Richard McGovern, manager of student life and international affairs. Curtis and the student’s school of choice will consider all requests based on transcripts, English language proficiency, and placement tests. These will be weighed carefully to ensure that the student will be able to make normal progress academically and musically. Additionally, enrolling in online course work for high school credit will be considered at the discretion of Curtis. International students who are non-native English speakers are not eligible to take online courses for a high school diploma. For details and more information, contact Richard McGovern, manager of student life and international affairs.

  • Activities Required of Pre-College-Age Students

    Performance

    • Major Lesson
    • Chamber Music (required for pianists and orchestral instrument majors age fourteen and older)
    • Orchestra (required for orchestral instrument majors age sixteen and older)
    • Supplementary Piano (not required for piano majors)

    Musical Studies

    • Preparatory Musical Studies

    In consultation with the dean and the faculty, academically advanced younger students may on occasion be permitted to enroll in academic courses for which they demonstrate superior aptitude.

  • Housing

    Students under sixteen years of age are required to live with a parent or adult guardian.

The Young Artists Initiative

Curtis has a long tradition of encouraging artists of every age to pursue their musical talents. In an effort to support our precollege-age students as effectively as possible, we developed the Young Artists Initiative.

  • The Young Artists Initiative provides support to the young artist
    • Assignment of a faculty or staff mentor
    • Musical Studies instruction tailored to younger students, including structured courses in music theory and solfège and specialized tutorials
    • Academic support programming designed by our Student Services Office, offered during the academic year.
    • Peer advice through new student orientation leaders
    • Courses and tutoring in English as a Second Language (ESL)
    • Guidance on enrollment in high school or middle school
    • Access to age-appropriate counseling services with our mental health team, for individuals or in groups
  • The Young Artists Initiative monitors the young artist’s progress
    • All audition finalists and their parents are interviewed by associate dean of student services and international affairs, Meredith Tarditi, to help the family understand the unique demands of studying at Curtis. The interview has no bearing on the admissions decision.
    • Members of faculty and staff members are available as a resource to help identify special needs regarding language, educational progress, adjustment issues, etc.
    • Regular reviews of student progress are conducted by the Committee on Academic Standing and the Student Services Office.
    • Regular meetings with faculty and staff may take place throughout the year, as warranted.
    • The associate dean of student services and international affairs stays in close touch with the student’s elementary, middle, or high school to ensure satisfactory completion of coursework. (Completing work toward the high school diploma is considered essential to a young student’s success at Curtis.)
    • For more information, contact Richard McGovern, manager of student life and international affairs.
  • Resources

FAQ

  • When will applications open?

    Applications for all degrees and programs open on September 1. The deadline for applications is December 10.

  • Is the application process the same for younger applicants?

    Yes, the audition process and repertoire are the same for all ages.

  • Is any additional testing required beyond the audition?

    As students enroll, we want to support them in their chosen program of study. Each program has guidelines to assess a student’s preparedness for that program. Colleges and universities require a high school diploma or the equivalent for a student to be considered for admission to a bachelor’s degree program; a solid record of achievement is the most vital foundation for success in college. For non-native English speakers, we now accept IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge tests for placement purposes.

  • Is Curtis a tuition-free school?

    Curtis Institute of Music is a tuition-free school, providing merit-based, full-tuition scholarships to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their financial situation. No application for financial assistance is required for the full-tuition scholarship. Students can be considered for financial aid for living expenses.
    Find more about financial assistance at Curtis.

  • Where can I submit my application materials and unofficial transcripts?

    Applicants can upload unofficial transcripts along with application materials in the application portal.

  • How much does the application process cost?

    There is a $150 nonrefundable application fee for all applicants. For major departments that require prescreening, there is an additional $100 screening fee.

    Applicants invited to a live audition will pay an additional $150 audition fee (the screening fee will apply as credit towards this audition fee).

    Applicants who complete a live audition should be prepared to pay $300 in fees.

    All fees are payable via the application platform. Please review the Curtis website to learn more about which major departments require prescreening.

  • Is it possible to double-major at Curtis?

    Yes. Students who want to double-major must audition and gain admission separately for each major instrument department.

  • Is there an age limit to audition at Curtis?

    Curtis sets no minimum or maximum age for the admission of exceptional students to most of its programs. Students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Curtis Diploma. These students pursue their musical studies at Curtis and their college-preparatory academic studies at an accredited public or private middle or high school of their choosing. They may opt to transition to the Bachelor of Music program when they reach college age.

    Students who already have a bachelor’s degree when they enter Curtis may pursue graduate-level work toward a post-baccalaureate Diploma, or, if accepted into the program, a Master of Music degree or a Master of Music in Opera.

  • How difficult is it to get into Curtis?

    The acceptance rate at Curtis varies from year to year and across programs. Overall, it has remained steady at about 4 percent. Do not let this discourage you. Many current students  didn’t believe they could be accepted but auditioned anyway.

    They are now thriving at Curtis.

  • What does Curtis look for in an audition?

    The most important factor is artistic promise. Though showing technical proficiency in the audition is a requirement, the strongest candidates for admission demonstrate the potential to develop into exceptional artists.

  • How would you describe a Curtis student?

    Curtis offers a warm welcome to musicians who arrive from other continents, from across North America, and from Philadelphia.

    We have found that students who have the most success in their growth as musicians, artist-citizens, and human beings are those who are curious; have a desire to learn and apply their learning; are able to manage their time and well-being within an intense schedule of classes, lessons, chamber music coachings, rehearsals, and performances; and have a deep and abiding love of music and music-making. Rigorous study, self-discipline, and an openness to new musical ideas and experiences will serve students well in an exciting environment where amazing colleagues share musical discoveries with one another in classes, practice rooms, and on stage.

  • Can I tour Curtis's campus?

    Campus visits are by appointment only. Tours last approximately one hour, and appointments must be made in advance. If you are interested in visiting our campus in Philadelphia, you can check availability here.

    Interested in visiting Curtis but not local to Philadelphia? Our Virtual Tour page provides an inside look at the main buildings comprising the Curtis Institute of Music campus, located on Locust Street in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

  • Can I take an informational lesson?

    In some cases, applicants to Curtis can take lessons with Curtis faculty (i.e., trial lessons) for instructional purposes or to get a sense for a teacher’s style. The availability of informational lessons varies by faculty and major department. Such lessons will have no bearing on an applicant’s chances for admission and are not required to be seriously considered for admission.

    Candidates are encouraged to learn more about Curtis through all avenues, including tours, conversations with current students, the Curtis website, Curtis YouTube channel, and Instagram page. In some cases candidates may be able to take an informational lesson with a Curtis alumnus. Please email admissions@curtis.edu for more information.

  • Can I transfer to Curtis?

    Yes, transfer students’ applications and audition process are the same as first-year students. You can apply online and submit your materials in the application portal. Please refer to the Audition page for specific program and repertoire requirements.

  • Upon graduation, do students receive a bachelor's degree in music performance? Or master's degree in music performance?

    The graduation scroll will reflect the successful completion of whichever specific accredited program the student completes. Students earn one of the following: a Diploma; a Bachelor of Music degree; a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma; a Master of Music degree; or a Professional Studies Certificate in Opera.

    Learn more about degrees and diplomas available at Curtis.

  • How does Curtis prepare students to be successful in today's world?

    Preparation for outstanding achievement in the highly competitive world of classical music begins with focused internal growth that leads to extraordinary external expression.

    The process of learning, whether in a practice room or a library, or in interactions with performance teachers, coaches, classroom teachers, peers, alumni, or guest artists, does not end when the semester ends. At Curtis, students have the opportunity to apply their learning immediately when they create programs and perform in varied venues and engage with new audiences across Philadelphia and the world. But Curtis also provides students with a learning and growth mind-set, so that they have the resilience, contextual understanding, and practical knowledge to design and build a future that reflects their values and allows them to explore their fullest potential as performing artists.

  • Does Curtis accept Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores for college course credit?

    Curtis follows the AP policy of the University of Pennsylvania, available at https://www.college.upenn.edu/ap-equivalence. Foreign language AP scores of 5 may be awarded 3 college credits, if they are earned in a language that is not the native tongue of the student. No other AP credit will be awarded.

  • Does Curtis accept transfer credits?

    If students would like to transfer college credits to Curtis, the Petition to Transfer Credits form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office after admission but before the first semester begins.

Policies and Reports

  • Non-Discrimination Policy

    Curtis Institute of Music is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including admission, employment, service, and educational programs. Curtis complies with all laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or gender identity. Curtis is an equal-opportunity employer.

  • Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

    The safety, security and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors at the Curtis Institute of Music are of paramount importance.

    Read our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report to see safety statistics from 2018, 2019, and 2020.