The Curtis Institute of Music, located in Philadelphia, PA, is the 451th school in the United States and dedicated to training the most gifted of performing artists. A private not for profit, the institute offers students the chance to receive their diploma, a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music for opera, or a Professional Studies Certificate for vocal.

Curtis was founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, naming the school in honor of her father, and was originally used to fill empty spots for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Bok purchased three mansions in Rittenhouse Square, had them renovated, and invited a faculty to train promising performing artists. Over 4,000 students have graduated since 1924 including Gian Carlo Menotti, Ala Gilbert, Samuel Barber, Lang Lang, Hilary Hahn, and Juan Diego Florez.

Today, Curtis is still extremely selective of the students resulting in only 200 students attending.

Campus Overview

  • Locale City: Large

  • Highest degree offered Master's degree

  • Academic calendar Semester

  • Religious affiliation Not applicable

Student Enrollment

Total Students
151
103 (68.2%)
48 (31.8%)
Undergraduate Students
103
Male 60
58.3%
Female 42
40.8%
Graduate Students
48
Male 28
58.3%
Female 19
39.6%


  • Campus Location

    1726 Locust St Philadelphia, PA 19103





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