America's most selective music conservatory, training exceptional young musicians with full tuition scholarships.
Curtis offers a performance-focused curriculum centered on one-on-one instruction and ensemble work. Degree programs include a performance diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in opera, and Professional Studies Certificate in opera. Students study across 12 departments: brass, composition, conducting, guitar, harp, organ, piano, string quartet, strings, timpani and percussion, vocal studies, and woodwinds. The curriculum integrates musical studies (counterpoint, harmony, ear training, music history), liberal arts (art, literature, philosophy, languages, history), and career studies (entrepreneurship, arts leadership, digital media). Students participate in over 200 orchestra, opera, chamber music, and solo performance offerings annually.
Curtis is located at 1726 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia. The campus includes Gould Rehearsal Hall (2,850 sq ft, acoustically designed for full orchestra with video/audio capabilities), Field Concert Hall (240-seat auditorium with recording facilities and a 73-rank Dobson Organ), and the Rock Resource Center containing over 100,000 music scores, books, and recordings. The Dover Quartet serves as the Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence, mentoring promising young string quartets.
Curtis maintains an acceptance rate of 4%, making it the most selective music institution in the United States. Admission is based solely on artistic promise demonstrated through audition; enrollment is limited to 150–175 students to ensure individualized attention. All admitted students receive full-tuition scholarships regardless of financial need. The student body is international and multicultural. Curtis provides comprehensive fees ($3,500 as of fall 2023) and health insurance fees ($2,500, waivable) to cover facilities, health insurance, meal plans, and library services. The institute offers needs-based financial aid for living expenses.
Curtis alumni perform on major opera stages worldwide and hold principal positions in leading American orchestras. Notable alumni include conductor Teddy Abrams (Grammy Award winner, Musical America's 2022 Conductor of the Year), mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges (two-time Grammy winner), violinist Ray Chen, and pianist Yuja Wang. The institute maintains Curtis Artist Management to support graduate careers and offers Curtis on Tour programs. In 2020, Curtis strengthened student protections by ending discretionary enrollment practices and providing access to counseling services.