Younger Students
Curtis sets no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students.
The Curtis Institute of Music does not offer a preparatory music program based on the belief that gifted young musicians should study with leading teachers from the beginning of their conservatory experience. Any student aged 17 or younger is classified as a younger student at Curtis.
Accordingly, there is no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students to most programs. Even the youngest students—those of elementary school age—receive musical training from the same teachers and at the same level of intensity as their older peers. Younger students may receive extra lessons as needed.
Pre-College Students
Younger students are required to simultaneously enroll in primary or secondary school, per state law, while pursuing studies at Curtis. Students have the option of enrolling in their district public school, enrolling in a private school, enrolling in an online school, or being homeschooled.
Until they earn a high-school diploma or equivalent and meet the other requirements to enter Curtis’s Bachelor of Music degree program, students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Diploma.
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.
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Outside Academic Requirements
The registrar must be informed of student enrollment in non-Curtis academic programs in an accredited elementary- or secondary-school program or other approved program. It is the student and family’s responsibility to make an appointment with their school of choice to discuss school schedules, classes, financial obligations, and deadlines.
Students must maintain satisfactory grades—at least 2.0—in their school programs, and they must provide Curtis with evidence of satisfactory progress each marking period or semester.
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Costs
Costs for non-Curtis 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. 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. Students must apply for all outside scholarships and grants before requesting financial assistance from Curtis.
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Accelerated Coursework
High school students wishing to take an accelerated course load at their school of choice should submit requests to the director of student life. 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.
Young Artist 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 structured support to help younger students navigate the demands of studying at Curtis. During the audition process, finalists and their families meet with Curtis staff to better understand the expectations of the program.
Faculty and staff monitor academic and personal progress, offer guidance on the student’s needs, and conduct regular reviews through the Committee on Academic Standing and the Student Services Office. Curtis also works closely with each student’s school to ensure continued progress toward a high school diploma, which is considered essential for success.
Younger students at Curtis receive:
- 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 Peer Ambassadors
- 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
Requirements for Younger 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 and Student Life
Any student aged 17 or younger would be classified as a younger student and will be given additional support with finding appropriate housing from the coordinator of residence life and off-campus housing.
Curtis requires any younger student to reside with a parent or guardian. Students are not eligible to reside in Lenfest Hall until they reach 17 years of age and have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Families and students should also explore policies regarding employment for younger students at Curtis.