Founded in 1924, Curtis Institute of Music is one of the most selective music conservatories in the world, with an enrollment of just over 150 students. The institute employs more than 100 performance and academic faculty and puts on approximately 125 recitals a year, giving students multiple performance opportunities. It offers studies on composition, conducting, keyboard and orchestral instruments and vocal studies leading up to a diploma, bachelor's of music, master's of music, or opera and professional certificate in opera. Admission to the institute, which is accredited by the National Association of Music Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, is by audition only.
The University of the Arts in Philadelphia offers undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies to approximately 2,400 students on Avenue of the Arts in the city center. The School of Music focuses on a contemporary music and jazz curriculum based on traditional techniques and theories to ensure students are both inspired to be creative and grounded in proven methodologies. Students can earn a variety of music degrees and certificates, including bachelor's and master's in jazz music, master's in teaching music, and diplomas in vocal music and composition. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University specializes in professional training in music performance, research and teaching. Music alumni perform in dozens of the most critically acclaimed orchestras in the U.S., teach and run music schools and programs in Philadelphia and beyond, and have won numerous Grammy Awards. The college offers studies in conducting, performance, composition, education, therapy, theory and history of music leading to bachelor's degrees in music with numerous focuses and master's degrees in performance, pedagogy and composition. Admission is selective and requires an audition or portfolio in addition to meeting Temple University's general admissions requirements.
The University of Pennsylvania's core mission is to teach to and provide performance opportunities for its students. Vocal, solo and chamber music with an emphasis on modern and new music are given the most attention at the school. Music is offered to undergraduates as a major or minor open to all students. The school also offers graduate study to a small number of students, culminating in a Ph.D. in four areas: musical composition, history of music, anthropology of music and theory of music. Student and faculty performances are offered approximately twice a month.