Bachelor of Music - Composition

The Curtis composition department integrates new students into the school's entire musical life from the moment they arrive. Curtis aims to educate and train musicians for 21st-century careers on the highest professional level through a unique "learn by doing" approach. Composition students can expect to have their works often performed on the Student Recital Series and other school-sponsored recitals from the beginning of their time at Curtis.

The Bachelor of Music degree is given upon completion of a minimum of 133 semester hours (s.h.), as outlined below. Students must fulfill a minimum three-year residency, pass all required courses, and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in musical studies and liberal arts courses.

For nearly a century, Curtis has provided each member of its small student body with an unparalleled education alongside musical peers, distinguished by a “learn by doing” philosophy and personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians. To ensure that admissions are based solely on the artistic promise, Curtis makes an investment in each admitted student to pay no tuition for their studies.

Curtis students hone their craft through more than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings and programs that bring arts access and education to the community. This real-world training allows these extraordinary young musicians to join the front rank of performers, composers, conductors, and musical leaders, making a profound impact on music onstage and in their communities.