Curtis Institute of Music vs The New England Conservatory of Music

When it comes to pursuing a higher education in music, two of the most prestigious institutions are the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Both schools offer world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rigorous curriculum, but there are some key differences between the two. Curtis is a smaller, more selective school with an acceptance rate of only 4%, while NEC is larger and less selective, with an acceptance rate of 33%. Curtis is also known for its strong focus on classical music, while NEC offers a wider range of programs, including jazz, contemporary music, and world music. Additionally, Curtis students are required to live on campus, while NEC students have the option of living on or off campus. To help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that details the key differences between Curtis and NEC.