
1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-6107, USA


The Curtis Institute of Music holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), an organization that establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. This accreditation assures prospective students that Curtis meets rigorous criteria for curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and institutional stability, which are vital elements for a reliable music education.
The Curtis Institute of Music maintains a selective admission process with a very low acceptance rate of approximately 7%, placing it among the most competitive institutions. Prospective students must have a high school diploma, as GED certificates are not accepted. While secondary school GPA and class rank are recommended for applicants, they are not mandatory components. Additionally, candidates must submit recommendations and demonstrate required competencies relevant to their field of study.
Standardized testing is recommended but not strictly required, including admission test scores and other assessments. The institute does not mandate computer ownership or leasing as part of the application process. Advanced Placement credits are accepted, but there is no provision for dual credit or college credit transfer. The institute does not have an open admission policy.
The Curtis Institute of Music requires applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with evaluating each candidate's materials and audition. However, prospective students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a waiver of this fee, ensuring that the cost does not create a barrier to application.
There is no available information regarding ROTC programs at Curtis Institute of Music. Prospective students interested in military training or ROTC opportunities may need to consider other institutions that offer such programs, as Curtis Institute of Music's focus and curriculum do not appear to include these options.
The Curtis Institute of Music is known for its highly competitive admissions process, ranking among the most difficult to enter. Prospective transfer students should note that while the institution does accept transfer credits, details about the availability of transfer opportunities in specific terms are not provided. Furthermore, there is no publicly accessible information regarding acceptance of standardized credit exams such as CLEP or DANTES. Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous evaluation process given the school's selective nature.
The Curtis Institute of Music offers limited formal study abroad programs as part of its curriculum. Instead, the institute emphasizes individualized opportunities for students to engage with international music communities through performance tours and master classes held in various countries. These experiences allow students to gain exposure to diverse musical traditions and collaborate with global artists, enriching their artistic development outside the classroom setting.
Though the institute does not have a structured semester-long exchange program, students can benefit from Curtis's connections with renowned international musicians and institutions which often lead to short-term educational engagements abroad. This approach reflects Curtis Institute of Music's focus on intensive, performance-based training under the guidance of world-class faculty while fostering global cultural exchange activities on a case-by-case basis.
Prospective students interested in international study should consider Curtis's emphasis on access to global performance opportunities integrated within its unique conservatory environment rather than traditional university-style study abroad programs.
High school completions
High school diploma required and GED is not acceptedComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RecommendedSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
Data not availableCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
NoOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available