Curtis Institute of Music

In 2011, Curtis saw the opening of the school’s new residency hall, Lenfest Hall. It provides enough space for half of the student body, with four to six students in each unit. A kitchenette, laundry room, dining hall, offices, mailboxes, additional studios, a garden terrace, rehearsal space, lockers, storage, and more are also featured within the building. Freshman and sophomores are required to live on campus.

For students who wish to live off campus, Curtis provides materials that assist in the search for housing, including apartment listings and phone numbers. Administrators recommend living within a five block radius of the school.

On campus, students are invited to take part in the midweek Tea on Wednesdays at 3pm. Started by the founder of the school, it invites all faculty, staff, students, and guests to take a break for refreshments. The Holiday Party is also a well known tradition throughout the campus. Just before exam week, the school provides seasonal entertainment, refreshments, dancing, and live music.

Students can also make sure to attend one of the several musical events held every year, including the Student Recital Series, concerts by the Curtis Symphony and Curtis Chamber Orchestras, full productions by the Curtis Opera Theatre, and vocal studies performances. Visiting artists will also regularly provide master classes. Those interested in government can take part in the Curtis Student Counsel.

The institute also supplies students with a library and the Rock Resource Center. Their collection has over 100,000 music scores, books, and recordings, both for study and performing reasons. The library also focuses on collecting manuscripts, music, and memorabilia directly related to the school.

The City of Philadelphia itself provides students with plenty to do including museums, galleries, delicious food, and historical buildings.