Pennsylvania, United States
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.
Courses
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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Students Curtis Institute of Music
Alumni at Curtis Institute of Music
- Leonard Bernstein: American composer, conductor, pianist, and music educator. He was the music director of the New York Philharmonic from 1958 to 1969.
- Yehudi Menuhin: American-born violinist, conductor, and humanitarian. He was one of the most celebrated violinists of the 20th century.
- Jacqueline du Pré: British cellist. She was one of the most acclaimed cellists of the 20th century.
- Yo-Yo Ma: Chinese-American cellist. He is one of the most popular and respected cellists in the world.
- Itzhak Perlman: Israeli-American violinist. He is among the most celebrated violinists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- André Previn: American pianist, composer, conductor, and arranger. He was the London Symphony Orchestra's music director from 1968 to 1979.
- Mstislav Rostropovich: Russian cellist, conductor, and pianist. He was one of the most celebrated cellists of the 20th century.
- Murray Perahia: American pianist. He is one of the most respected pianists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Lang Lang: Chinese pianist. He is one of the most popular and successful pianists in the world.
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Campus life
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
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.