About - Curtis Institute of Music Skip to content Focused on a "learn-by-doing" philosophy. For over 100 years, Curtis has provided each member of its small student body an unparalleled education alongside musical peers, distinguished by personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians. Curtis students hone their craft through more than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings and programs. To ensure that admission is based solely on artistic promise, Curtis charges no tuition to its students. Take the Next Steps How to Apply 160 Students All Curtis students receive full-tuition scholarships. As a result, talent and artistic promise are the only considerations for admission. 4% Acceptance Rate Curtis accepts only a small fraction of the applicants who apply each year, a testament to the talent of our student body. 4:3 Student to Faculty Ratio All students receive highly personalized attention with Curtis’ celebrated faculty. Curtis Symphony Orchestra students backstage at the Kimmel Center in Marian Anderson Hall. A student recital in Field Concert Hall. Curtis’ 91st Commencement Ceremony. The Erinys Quartet performing in a Curtis New Music Ensemble concert. Curtis Symphony Orchestra harps rehearsing in Gould Concert Hall. Our Mission The mission of Curtis is to educate and train exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry. As a core and enduring value, excellence at Curtis shall be defined as a commitment to growth, rooted in curiosity, creativity, and intentional learning. Embraced as a value, the Curtis “learn-by-doing” approach promotes lifelong learning, student wellness, pedagogical support, time for reflection, educational relationships, and a curriculum that develops not just performance skills but musical leadership, innovation, artist-citizenship, and individual voice. Curtis recognizes its responsibility as an integral part of both Philadelphia’s cultural landscape and the global music world. This commitment is central to the school’s teaching mission, where mentorship and community-engaged work are woven into the curriculum to prepare students to share their artistry beyond the stage. Curtis values introspection in its own community, fostering a culture rooted in human connection and shared purpose. With active inter-departmental collaboration, integrated curricular planning, and institutional collective effort, Curtis shall build a strong network of artistic and operational leaders and prepare students for real-world musical careers that rely on interpersonal skills and ensemble dynamics. History The Curtis Institute of Music opened on October 13, 1924. Faculty The Curtis Institute of Music professors care deeply about teaching and interacting with students. The faculty are world-renowned performing musicians who connect students to life as a successful professional musician today. Student Life Come to Curtis and find campus life that celebrates music by both students and faculty. Build lifelong friendships with fellow students who share your interests, passions, and perspectives. Alumni Curtis alumni, having experienced extraordinary one-on-one training and valuable performance opportunities as students, go on to invent careers with impact around the world and in their communities. Administration Meet the leadership, board, trustees, and staff working behind the scenes to make Curtis an exceptional institution for the study of music. Careers Explore employment opportunities at Curtis View Open Positions Play to your greatness. Request Info Visit Apply Subscribe to our newsletter for Curtis news, events, announcements, and more.