Curtis Institute of Music: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at Curtis

Curtis Institute of Music

About

Private

University Type

The Curtis Institute of Music is a private, independent music conservatory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1924. It is one of the most prestigious music schools in the world, and its alumni include many of the leading performers and composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Curtis Institute of Music offers a comprehensive program of study in music performance, composition, and conducting. Students receive individual instruction from world-renowned faculty members, and they have the opportunity to perform in a variety of ensembles and recitals.

The Curtis Institute of Music is a highly selective institution and a very supportive environment. The Curtis Institute of Music does not publish its acceptance rate for international students. However, it is estimated that the acceptance rate for all students is around 5%.

The Curtis Institute of Music is a tuition-free institution that admits only about 60 students annually. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and potential and be selected through a rigorous audition process. However, students must incur annual fees to attain services other than tuition.

Break-up of Curtis Institute of Music Fees Annually

Type of Fee	Amount	Includes	Additional Information
Comprehensive Fee	$3,500	Textbooks, use of facilities, security, internet, IT Support, wellness initiatives and services, and recording fees	New Admission
Late Surcharge Fee	$100	—	If the comprehensive fee is not paid by registration
Health Care Insurance	$2,500	Tenure of months
Residential and Dining Fees	$23,543	Single room with an entire meal plan	Lenfest Hall 2023-24 Room and Board Rates
Residential and Dining Fees	$20,653	Double room with an entire meal plan	Lenfest Hall 2023-24 Room and Board Rates
Mean Plan	$3400	For those who live off-campus	Optional
One-time Fees	$100	Library deposit
One-time Fees	$100	Instrument deposit (other than piano)
One-time Fees	$125	Graduation fee	Payable at the beginning of the spring term for students expecting to graduate at the end of that term; the fee covers the costs of cap and gown rental and related expenses.
Piano Moving and Tuning	$300	Students majoring in piano, organ, harpsichord, composition, or conducting	Lending of instruments

Top Reasons to Study in the Curtis Institute of Music

Tuition-free education: Curtis Institute of Music is a tuition-free institution, meaning students do not have to pay for their education. This is a huge advantage for students seeking a high-quality music education but who may need help to afford the tuition at other schools.
World-renowned faculty: Curtis Institute of Music has a faculty of world-renowned musicians and pedagogues. Students can study with some of the best teachers in the world.
Small class sizes: Curtis Institute of Music has small class sizes, which allows students to receive individualised attention from their professors. This is essential for students who are serious about their music education.
Opportunities to perform: Curtis Institute of Music students have many opportunities. They can perform in recitals, concerts, and operas. This is an excellent way for students to gain experience and build resumes.
Location: Curtis Institute of Music is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history. This is an excellent place for students to live and learn.
Alumni network: Curtis Institute of Music has a strong alumni network. Alumni are successful musicians who are willing to help students. This is an excellent resource for students seeking advice or opportunities.

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Year you plan to start in

Courses

Masters in Music

Will you get in?

Application deadline

Rolling

Degree

Masters

Duration

24 Months

Tuition fee

NA

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Admissions at The Curtis Institute of Music

How to Apply at Curtis Institute of Music

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

Application: You can apply through the Acceptd platform.
Curtis Institute of Music has several fees, like an application fee of $150 and a screening fee of $100 (Required for all applicants except guitar and organ. If the applicant is invited for a live audition, the screening fee will apply as credit towards the $150 audition fee due by the department’s audition date.), An audition fee of $150 and Materials submitted after deadlines incur an additional $75 late fee.
Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:

Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS
Personal statement/Essay writing
Two letters of teacher recommendation
Financial Aid Statement of Intent

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

Application: You can apply through the Acceptd platform.
Curtis Institute of Music has several fees, like an application fee of $150 and a screening fee of $100 (Required for all applicants except guitar and organ. If the applicant is invited for a live audition, the screening fee will apply as credit towards the $150 audition fee due by the department’s audition date.), An audition fee of $150 and Materials submitted after deadlines incur an additional $75 late fee.
Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:

Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS
Personal statement/essay writing
Transfer Report Form
Letter of recommendation
Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to Curtis Institute of Music

Undergraduate Students

Complete the Online Application through Acceptd platform
Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
SAT/ACT scores
Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS English Test scores.
Personal statement/Essay writing
Two letters of recommendation
Financial documentation
Resume
Additional Documents:

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
I-20 Form
Passport
Visa Sponsorship Letter

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

Complete the Online Application through Acceptd platform
Official transcripts from all previous high school or college attended
GRE/GMAT scores
Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS English Test scores.
Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation
Resume (Relevant work experience)
Additional Documents:

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
I-20 Form
Passport
Visa Sponsorship Letter

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By Curtis Institute of Music

Undergraduate Students

Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS English Test scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS English Test scores.

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Rankings for The Curtis Institute of Music

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Reviews for Curtis Institute of Music

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Pennsylvania

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Transportation in the city

Public transportation: SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is Philadelphia's central public transportation system. It operates buses, subways, and trolleys. Several SEPTA stations near the Curtis Institute of Music, including the 30th Street Station and the Market East Station.
Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Philadelphia but can be expensive. Taxis can be hailed on the street or by calling a taxi company.
Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft are also available in Philadelphia. These services can be more affordable than taxis but can also be more difficult to get during peak times.
Bicycles: Philadelphia has a bike-share program called Indego. Indego bikes can be rented at stations throughout the city.
Walking: Philadelphia is a relatively walkable city. Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Services offered by the university

Academic advising: Students have access to academic advisors who can help them plan their coursework and make decisions about their education.
Career counselling: Students can access career counsellors to help them develop their career goals and find employment after graduation.
Financial aid: The Curtis Institute of Music offers financial aid to students who need it. Financial aid can come from scholarships, grants, and loans.
Health services: The Curtis Institute of Music has a health centre that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students.
Student activities: The Curtis Institute of Music has a variety of student activities, such as clubs, organisations, and performances. These activities allow students to socialise and get involved in the community.
Wellness programs: The Curtis Institute of Music offers wellness programs that promote physical and mental health. These programs include yoga, meditation, and nutrition counselling.

Student life at Curtis Institute of Music

There are several student activities where students can engage themselves.

The Curtis Orchestra: The Curtis Orchestra is the school's flagship ensemble and performs regularly throughout the year.
The Curtis Chamber Music Society: The Curtis Chamber Music Society is a group of students who perform chamber music together.
The Curtis Opera Theater: The Curtis Opera Theater is a student-run opera company that performs operas throughout the year.
The Curtis Dance Ensemble: The Curtis Dance Ensemble is a student-run dance company performing dance performances yearly.
The Curtis Sports Club: The Curtis Sports Club is a student organisation that organises sports teams and activities.

On campus accomodation at Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis offers students various housing options, including:

All-gender suites are available upon request.
Suites that accommodate graduate and post-baccalaureate students, first-year students, and new students.
The opportunity to live with peers who share common interests and goals helps to facilitate more profound and more meaningful connections.

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Faculty Information

Jobs and Opportunities

University Endowments Value

253200000

Internship opportunities at Curtis Institute of Music

Academic Intern: This position supports the Curtis Institute of Music's academic departments. Duties may include grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and assisting with research projects.
Digital Media Intern: This position supports the Curtis Institute of Music's digital media team. Duties may include creating and editing videos, managing social media accounts, and designing marketing materials.
Marketing Intern: This position supports the Curtis Institute of Music's marketing team. Duties may include developing marketing campaigns, writing press releases, and managing the school's website.
Development Intern: This position supports the Curtis Institute of Music's development team. Duties may include researching donors, writing grant proposals, and managing the school's fundraising events.
Housekeeping Intern: This position supports the Curtis Institute of Music's housekeeping staff. Duties may include cleaning classrooms, dorms, and other facilities.

Placement of Curtis Institute of Music

Job Placement

According to the Curtis Institute of Music website, 98% of graduates are placed in jobs within one year of graduation.

Top Hiring Companies

The Metropolitan Opera
The New York Philharmonic
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Juilliard School
The Cleveland Institute of Music
The Aspen Music Festival and School
The Tanglewood Music Festival
The Ravinia Festival
The Marlboro Music Festival
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Salaries

Salaries for Curtis Institute of Music graduates can vary depending on the field of music and the experience of the graduate. However, some of the salaries that have been reported include:

Orchestral musicians: $60,000 - $100,000
Chamber musicians: $40,000 - $80,000
Soloists: $100,000 - $200,000+
Teachers: $40,000 - $60,000
Conductors: $60,000 - $100,000+

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FAQ

1. What is the Curtis Institute of Music’s acceptance rate?
The Curtis Institute of Music’s acceptance rate for international students is reported to be around 3.9%.

2. What is the average tuition fee for international students in the Curtis Institute of Music?
The average Curtis Institute of Music tuition fee for international students studying at the is calculated to be around 2,525 USD (1,97,700 INR) for all the undergraduate programs. Whereas for the graduate programs, the tuition fee is approximately 2500 USD ( 1,95,750 INR) in all.

3. What are the minimum Curtis Institute of Music GPA requirements?
The minimum Curtis Institute of Music GPA requirement is around 3.15 on a scale of 4.

4. What is the deadline for submitting an application form while applying to the Curtis Institute of Music?
For the Curtis Institute of Music, the majority of college applications, such as the Coalition for College and the Common Application, application deadline lies in the month of November of the respective year.

5. What is the average cost of living while studying in the Curtis Institute of Music?
The average tuition at Curtis is free and awarded to all undergraduate and graduate students. However, the cost of living including the room and board at the institute is 14,363 USD (11,24,622 INR). There also are additional expenses such as rental accommodation, health insurance, administrative fees, and textbooks, which comes to about 6,780 USD (5,30,870 INR) in additional costs per year.