Composition - Curtis Institute of Music
Source: https://www.curtis.edu/studio/composition
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Composition - Curtis Institute of Music
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Curtis believes composers thrive when they approach the intersection of tradition and innovation with an open mind, growing their individual musical language with a learn-by-doing approach.
With unparalleled performance opportunities and a strong culture of team teaching, the Curtis composition department encourages its students to lean into their individual passions and idiosyncrasies. Every Curtis composer works with all members of the composition faculty; if a composer chooses, they can elect to do additional intensive work with one faculty member each semester.
Every Curtis composer receives a fully rehearsed premiere with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra each year. Students can expect to have their chamber works performed often on the Curtis Recital Series and in other school-sponsored recitals from the beginning of their time at the school.
The composition department maintains commissioning opportunities for its students both within Curtis and with outside partner organizations. Composers can elect to present a graduation recital at the end of their time at Curtis, devoting an entire evening to a program of their work. All Curtis performances are recorded in both audio and video by Curtis’s world-class engineers.
"Curtis is uniquely good at connecting really talented young composers to this professional mindset of music-making, while still helping them grow their language."
— Nick DiBerardino, chair of composition studies
Take the Next Steps
How to Apply
Composition Faculty
Nick
DiBerardino
Provost and Dean
Rock Chair in Composition Studies
Director, Curtis New Music Ensemble
Read More
Jonathan Bailey
Holland
Composition
Performance
Read More
Amy Beth
Kirsten
Composition
Performance
Read More
Steven
Mackey
Composition
Performance
Read More
Elijah
Smith
Instructional Faculty and Manager of New Music Activities
Read More
Curriculum
The Curtis curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their musical journeys and to offer instruction, guidance, and inspiration as they pursue their goals.
Learn More
Audition Requirements
Auditions may consist of pre-recorded submissions, interviews, and in-person rounds during February and March. Audition dates, repertoire, and prescreening requirements vary by department.
Learn More
Degree programs available for those studying composition include the following:
Diploma
Bachelor of Music
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma
Master of Music
Student Performances
Legacy of Composition
Since its earliest years, Curtis has been home to some of the most celebrated composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Mary Louise Curtis Bok generously supported composers throughout her lifetime and ensured that the creation and performance of new music were an integral part of the Curtis experience.
Learn More
Play to your greatness.
Request Info
Visit
Apply
Subscribe to our newsletter for Curtis news, events, announcements, and more.
Sign Up
Skip to content
Curtis believes composers thrive when they approach the intersection of tradition and innovation with an open mind, growing their individual musical language with a learn-by-doing approach.
With unparalleled performance opportunities and a strong culture of team teaching, the Curtis composition department encourages its students to lean into their individual passions and idiosyncrasies. Every Curtis composer works with all members of the composition faculty; if a composer chooses, they can elect to do additional intensive work with one faculty member each semester.
Every Curtis composer receives a fully rehearsed premiere with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra each year. Students can expect to have their chamber works performed often on the Curtis Recital Series and in other school-sponsored recitals from the beginning of their time at the school.
The composition department maintains commissioning opportunities for its students both within Curtis and with outside partner organizations. Composers can elect to present a graduation recital at the end of their time at Curtis, devoting an entire evening to a program of their work. All Curtis performances are recorded in both audio and video by Curtis’s world-class engineers.
"Curtis is uniquely good at connecting really talented young composers to this professional mindset of music-making, while still helping them grow their language."
— Nick DiBerardino, chair of composition studies
Take the Next Steps
How to Apply
Composition Faculty
Nick
DiBerardino
Provost and Dean
Rock Chair in Composition Studies
Director, Curtis New Music Ensemble
Read More
Jonathan Bailey
Holland
Composition
Performance
Read More
Amy Beth
Kirsten
Composition
Performance
Read More
Steven
Mackey
Composition
Performance
Read More
Elijah
Smith
Instructional Faculty and Manager of New Music Activities
Read More
Curriculum
The Curtis curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their musical journeys and to offer instruction, guidance, and inspiration as they pursue their goals.
Learn More
Audition Requirements
Auditions may consist of pre-recorded submissions, interviews, and in-person rounds during February and March. Audition dates, repertoire, and prescreening requirements vary by department.
Learn More
Degree programs available for those studying composition include the following:
Diploma
Bachelor of Music
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma
Master of Music
Student Performances
Legacy of Composition
Since its earliest years, Curtis has been home to some of the most celebrated composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Mary Louise Curtis Bok generously supported composers throughout her lifetime and ensured that the creation and performance of new music were an integral part of the Curtis experience.
Learn More
Play to your greatness.
Request Info
Visit
Apply
Subscribe to our newsletter for Curtis news, events, announcements, and more.
Sign Up