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• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Quick Take
Curtis Institute in Philadelphia is the world's most selective classical conservatory, offering free tuition to approximately 160 elite students with world-class faculty and over 200 public performances annually. Admission is purely merit-based, and students are immersed in a culture of professional-level performance from day one, with direct access to the Philadelphia Orchestra and one of the East Coast's richest concert life.
Curtis at a Glance
| Program | |
| School / Division | Curtis Institute of Music |
| Setting | private |
| Religious Affiliation | none |
| Program Size | small |
| Genres / Styles | classical |
| Primary Instrument | bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice |
| Areas of Study | composition, conducting, opera, performance |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelor of Music, Certificate, Master’s |
| Musical Selectivity | elite |
| NASM Accreditation | Yes |
| Admissions | |
| Academic Selectivity | selective |
| Average GPA | |
| Application Deadline | Dec 1 (early) | Dec 15 (regular) |
| Auditions | |
| Audition | is required |
| Audition Competitiveness | highly competitive |
| Audition Window | Feb–Mar |
| Prescreening | is required |
| Location | |
| City / State | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Always confirm deadlines and requirements directly with the Curtis website
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Program Overview
The music program at Curtis is small in size and a .
Music Genre/Style Strengths
Curtis supports the following musical genres/styles: classical. At some schools, students can explore multiple styles while developing strong technical and artistic foundations within their primary genre.
Visit the Curtis website for more specific information on the music genres/styles it supports.
Primary Instruments
Students at Curtis can pursue study across a range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students study privately with faculty on their primary instrument while participating in ensembles and collaborative performances.
Visit the Curtis website for more specific information about their support for studies on specific instruments.
Music Studies Offered at Curtis
Students at Curtis can pursue degrees focused on composition, conducting, opera, performance. Music degree programs typically combine private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory coursework, and performance opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in music.
Visit the Curtis website for more specific information on the programs of study it offers.
Acceptance
Musical acceptance at Curtis is elite. Academically, it is selective, with accepted students having an average GPA of . (Unlike academic programs, music admissions typically emphasize performance and artistic potential.) The application deadline for Curtis is Dec 1 (early) | Dec 15 (regular) of each year.
Visit the Curtis website to confirm acceptance information and deadlines.
Auditions
An audition is required at Curtis, and the school's auditions are considered to be highly competitive. The audition window is Feb–Mar of each year. A pre-screening video or portfolio is required.
Visit the Curtis website for more specific information on auditions.
Location and Music Scene
Curtis sits in the heart of Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, steps from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, and one of the East Coast's richest concentrations of classical music life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curtis hard to get into?
Admission to Curtis is considered elite for music and selective academically. At most schools, the audition carries significant weight. Admitted students need to demonstrate performance ability and artistic potential in addition to meeting academic requirements.
Do I need a prescreening video to audition at Curtis?
A prescreening video or portfolio submission at Curtis.
Prescreening requirements vary significantly from school to school, and sometimes by instrument or area of study, so it's worth checking directly with the admissions office to confirm what's expected for your specific application.
What instruments can I study at Curtis?
supports study across a wide range of instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, harpsichord, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students typically study privately with a faculty member on their primary instrument while also participating in ensembles and collaborative performance opportunities.
Instrument availability and faculty depth can vary. If you play something less common, it's worth reaching out to the department directly to confirm faculty availability before you apply.
What GPA do I need for Curtis?
Admitted students at Curtis have an average GPA of . Keep in mind that this is an average. Some admitted students come in above it, some below, depending on the strength of the overall application and, especially, the audition.
Music programs tend to weigh audition performance heavily, which means a particularly strong musical candidate may be admitted even if their GPA is below the typical range. The reverse is also true. Academic strength alone won't compensate for a weak audition.
What is the application deadline for Curtis?
The application deadline for Curtis is Dec 1 (early) | Dec 15 (regular), with live auditions typically held Feb–Mar. These dates can shift year to year, so it's important to verify directly with the admissions office well in advance.
Music school deadlines often arrive earlier than general college application deadlines, and audition slots can fill up quickly, especially at competitive programs. Getting your application in early is rarely a bad idea.
Information on this page is updated periodically. Always confirm details directly with the school's admissions office.
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