Can i get into curtis

Afternoons are chamber music coaching, masterclasses and orchestra. This program is six years old. Only seven students have moved from this camp to being accepted as students at Curtis. It makes me wonder — how good do you really have to be — how can your Brahms Concerto rise above the others? Today, a young violinist from England asked me for advice on how to get into Curtis — this year there are only 2 violin openings. I encouraged him to continue to search for his truth — to follow his heart and find his voice.

When I flew here to audition as a young woman, I was full of vim and vigor — having passed the first round a video of Bach, Paganini, Mozart and Sibelius concerti , I was eager to play in person.

I had experienced enough success to have confidence in my abilities — to know I knew how to prepare and be able to lay down a solid and passionate performance. It all turned out well — I got one of the few coveted spots, and was heading to Curtis in the fall, to work with Felix Galimir and be immersed in the true European traditions of classical music. As a student, the confidence that brought me through that audition process quickly disappeared. I felt lonely, isolated, insecure, and unworthy.

Surrounded by a swath of seemingly larger-than-life superstars, who entered Curtis with recording contracts, management, first prizes from the Tchaikovsky Competition, I was frozen and unable to even practice at school, afraid that I would be exposed as a charlatan.

It turns out that all of us backstage felt the same way — these incredible musicians with whom I have played and taught beside all week — they were crushed by self-doubt, overwhelmed by the newness.

But, they said, maybe going through this then was good for us — toughened us up and gave us the tools we needed to succeed. Maybe everyone goes through this, but we just did it a little earlier than other people. They, like I, pushed through these feelings and forced ourselves to perform, to go out there, and learned to curb fear, to harness our doubts and use this to our advantage. You learn to stop caring what other people think at some point — you are forced to become a clearer and more defined and honest version of yourself.

I guess, in the end, that is what Curtis is looking for. The germ of individuality, the determination, the ability to think for yourself.

The concert is over — I have not been that nervous in many many years — my bow was even shaking at one point during the Janacek Sonata. But, I decided at that moment to use that sound, develop it — it was such a tender and frail sound, just as Janacek might have wanted at that moment. You need a more internal motivator for the long term- usually the love of playing and the felt benefits of improving. There is a famous saying from top marathon runners: the desire to win is nothing compared to the desire to train.

I agree with the opinions to take your focus off Curtis. You can certainly ask about Curtis and what it takes for an admittance. My kid goes to Curtis. My kid would go to anywhere to study with his current teacher, Curtis or not, and as a parent I would be very happy to support it.

Go to summer camps and master classes to find out with whom you want to study e. All Rights Reserved. How do I get into Curtis Institute of Music? College Majors Music Major. But I really want to get into Curtis. Curtis is a great goal, but don't get your heart set on it. Not because you aren't good enough, you probably will be by the time you're a senior. It's because after a certain point it's luck. I'd say try to play for a teacher there that you like and they will be able to tell you more.

I would suggest trying to get to know some of the teachers there, as well as other schools NEC, Mannes, Julliard, etc. Anything to get yourself a leg up. I'd also strongly suggest making sure you're performing. Your repertoire doesn't say much about your chances for Curtis--your track record does. Applications must be submitted by December 15, All audition dates, deadlines, and studio openings will be posted on the Curtis website when they are available.

Auditions will consist of pre-recorded submissions, interviews, and in-person rounds during February and March , if possible. If in-person rounds are not possible, the admissions team will coordinate safe and equitable live virtual auditions. A final decision on the audition format will be made closer to the application deadline in early December. The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry.