Not everyone has to make it to Curtis, in fact - if you simply want to enjoy practicing within a community, join this app I made called Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in Just like Curtis, it's free. Only easier to get in :)
im a beginner violinist (in my schools orchestra) and i feel like i cant get this app! I always get so nervous playing knowing people might hear and im like "what if i mess up???" i know its okay to make mistakes but i just get so nervous T~T
The important thing you missed is that musicians do not play in a vacuum- they play with other musicians. So, the group of friends and music partners you make there are your “treasure for life.” And he is lucky to have not only been accepted there, but also find a group of musicians that understand, more than anybody else in the world, his love, his need, his passion for music. Life at the top is lonely (look deep into the life of any famous performer, and you will see their endless flights and constant coming and going from hotel, to new city, to new rehearsal, to photo sessions, etc- not time for friendships. The Curtis musicians are there for you. Enjoy it❤
I like how he casually says "I didn't get in the first time, but on my second attempt WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD, finally got in, was accepted, and came to school here". Like bruhhhhhh 15 lol
Both my father, Leonard Frantz (viola) and before that his sister, my aunt Florence Frantz (piano) graduated from Curtis Institute. Offhand, I cannot remember the years they graduated, but I think my aunt graduated in the late 1920s/early 1930s and my dad in the mid to late 1930s. My Dad was a violist in the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1944 until his untimely death in 1960 and my aunt toured Europe in the early 1930s and later taught piano and played recitals in Philadelphia. She lived until 1992. I am very proud that Curtis is a part of my family history.
Nice to see how my old school has changed! I graduated in 1985. Curtis was a very different place then. There were still some people there from the earliest days of the school. My woodwind teachers had worked with Stokowski.
I am never going to get anywhere near curtis-level, but the philadelphia all-city high school orchestra used curtis's rooms for a concerto competition, and 30 minute rehearsal in their practice rooms was probably the most fun I've ever had playing piano, acoustics in there are insane
@@iamanovercomer3253 unfortunately I just didn't put in enough hours, through most of middle school I was probably good enough that I was on track to get into a good conservatory but during the pandemic I just didn't practice enough and at this point I've fallen way behind where I need to be to apply to any music school let alone curtis
Ray got in after his 2nd attempt at 15 years old!! As a violinist AND he practiced piano for 7 years!! Good enough to sigh read through the piano classes 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Peak Asian levels
That was such a great video and interview. I really felt like I was back at Curtis. You have such wonderful humor and lightness. Thank you for sharing the Curtis experience for future generations, and also for past generations.
This is so cool! My piano teacher desperately wanted me to audition for Curtis but I knew I didn't have a chance 🙂, congratulations to all those who make it!
So,glad you are having fun and making progress. As a Juilliard grad, I understand how hard you have to work in order to even be considered, keep going!
man, it must be an intimidating place to attend. every student you see you know are amazing at their instrument...but then again, if you got in then you would be as well.
Some countries don't even have a proper music school. Music is just not about hard work and practice. Sometimes it's about the previllage provided by the elders. Hope we can create something that may provide for the next generations.
And other countries like Hungary have such a high level of music education in regular schools that they don't really NEED music schools. The vast majority of 12-year olds in Hungary is literate in sheet music. In the US this is a tiny minority. But hey, Hungary is a conservative country with a rich tradition in art music which takes a significant place in its national pride. Franz Liszt is the country's national hero, just like Chopin's in Poland. The US has consistently absorbed some of the biggest talent on the planet but they basically just paid to win and its tradition of art music (as opposed to popular music, in which it is dominant) arose much later than that in Europe, especially Germany and Italy.
I auditioned for Curtis in 2008. I've never experienced nerves like that before. Great experience and every musician should apply for an audition. Great experience.
hardest part of music is getting comfortable playing in stressfull situations. Luckily for me my instrument choice isnt too intimidating. really easy for me to get lost in music and ignore people around me. and im a classical guitarist/jazz. But play metal music professionally lmao
My second degree cousin from the US went there and she seems to be doing well for herself. She went on to do a masters at a prestigious university in the US as far as I know. We never interacted much but I know she primarily plays the organ
Very useful. I am working on a fantasy novel, with some chapters taking place at a top-notch music school, so all these tiny bits are really helpful. :)
Great video and fascinating insider’s view into a great music school. As a musician myself, but who went to law school instead, this really resonated and made me long for what might’ve been.
Let's be realistic though...music isn't exactly a money-making career path for 95% of people, especially in this economy. I have a music degree and finished half a master's in it as well, before switching to IT. I know people from my graduating class who couldn't find jobs in music despite being talented musicians, so they ended up in retail and grocery stores. It's a painful truth that I think music schools don't tell prospective students; almost predatory, if I'm being honest. The better path is to choose a realistic major (healthcare, IT, engineering, etc.) and minor in music so you can still develop those musical skills if you want to give lessons or perform as a hobby.
Totally agree. It's a beautiful dream, but sometimes being practical is a safe route. Music can still be a hobby! I ended up studying computer science, but played flute from 8 years old thru finishing my M.S. CompSci. Music was a great hobby to have on the side of my major, but I'm also very grateful for my career.
If you go to Curtis, you can guarantee you will make money in music doing something. This school is part of what makes music degrees from other schools worthless.
I studied music, and needed to go back to graduate school, to study in another field to be more employable. After 27 years of teaching in the public schools, I went back to school to get my music teaching credential. I finally was able to work full time as a music teacher for a large school district.
A great video from Ray Chen, a Taiwanese-Australian violinist. Curtis Institute of Music is right at Rittenhouse Square in Center City, Philadelphia. My son and I walked past it together a few years ago. Its entrance was so unassuming, even underwhelming, that it was hard to relate it to the name of “Curtis”. Unassuming and underwhelming no matter, the door still served its purpose - it prevented us from “getting into” Curtis. 😧 Now this video opens the door to Curtis for us. As we follows Ray Chen getting through the door of Curtis, roaming among its classrooms and halls, listening to his brief coverages of the history and student life, talking with Curtis students and staff, you can get a feel of enchanted “Curtis” spirit - it feels like Hogwarts. 😮 Many current and past great musicians were Curtis students, among them, Leonard Bernstein, Hilary Hahn, Lang Lang, just to mention a few. They came from all over around the world, at very young ages, through years of rigorous studies in their teens and twenties, right there in the Center City Philadelphia ! ❤ Ray Chen and his guide shared their experiences of auditions - and how to get admitted to Curtis. His guide, Alexandra, especially mentioned about contacting and connecting with Curtis teachers who she wanted to study under and attending masterclasses lead by the teachers before the auditions, and also audition at multiple schools. That really rings a bell, resonating with the note of “it is not only what you know, but also who you know”. 😅 Even though Ray Chen has been at the pinnacle of the classical music ivory tower for many years, he still remains passionate and devoted to classical violin music, he still remains very energetic and resourceful, not only plays in many concerts in the world each year, but also through his online and offline presence, and his app, Tonic, builds a community of violin lovers and musicians alike. Just like he calls his alma mater “the best music school in the world”, I’m sure Curtis is very proud to call him one of her’s best alumni. 🎉 If you want good food, I can assure you that the nearby restaurants around Rittenhouse Square have a lot more to offer. If you are still not satisfied there, take a short walk to Reading Station and Chinatown and knock yourself out. 😂 Question: Curtis Institute of Music was founded by Mary Curtis Bok, the only heir to the Curtis Publishing Company family in Philadelphia. Just a few blocks away, Sidney Kimmel Medical College is hosted in Curtis Building. Who is the “Curtis” on the eponymous building? 😉
Great job. I was lucky to play clarinet in the Seattle Youth Symphony for Vilem Sokol. My friends and I would have loved your videos back in the 60’s. Instead, I’m going to introduce them to my violinist grandson. I’m sure they will inspire him. I would have loved Curtis. Kids need to hear what a great social life you can have in music.
thankfully growing up i went to a kind of feeder school for curtis (our school founded curtis and we often work closely together) so i know the ins and outs of curtis despite not actually being a student there but many of my peers have went onto become students there after getting their start here.
This is so amazing! Never thought of a life as a music student studying in one of the top music school in the world…I hope I could visit all the musical school in this world one day 😂
Thank you so much Ray, what an amazing and fantastic place. And you are so self effacing about your start there. You are one of my most favourite violinist’s in the world. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤
I love strolling about a music academy/conservatory - you hear incredible snippets of music that instill fear and awe in most amateurs! standards are so high and it's invigorating being in an environment where ultra-talented students take their craft so very seriously!
Such an eye opener for someone like me who's had a late calling as a musician. Even though learning is a lifelong journey, there's many routes one can take to realize the potential. An amazing privilege to be part of this establishment and community.
What do you play? I dreamt to be a vocalist as a child but I couldn’t make the performance schedule at lounge, after 9pm. My curfew was 6pm before 18 years old but I was discovered as a model instead. I worked at the prestigious OCAD U, the oldest fine art school in Canada. 😂😂😂 I want to go back to singing, fusion, classical and pop.
I started on the classical guitar when I was 11, but stopped formal lessons at 16 and pretty much became a self taught rocker. stopped playing at 25, and only 15 years later I realized my roots were with the classical guitar and have been pursuing it since.@@TheJlee28
Thank you, Ray, for giving us a tour of Curtis Institute. What an experience! You are amazingly humble for such a talented violinist. (Thanks for the fun fact of TwoSet's audition attempts).
I don't think we should forget about the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music. The mere name alone strikes fear in the heart of any pianist or string players trying to get to the very top. Many don't even bother auditioning. And while the talent out of Curtis is amazing, the talent out of Russia is consistently outstanding as well.
You would have to be stupid to enter or stay in Russia right now. Whatever you think of the special Putin operation happening there, the economy etc, forget all that. Russia is now culturally bankrupt, there will be no good music or art from any state institute in Russia for decades
Lmao then make a video about the Moscow school. This is about Curtis not Tchaikovsky. You’re like the person that feels the need to make it about something else.
A missed opportunity to hear a practice room; then try and hear a practice room with the door closed. I spent many years in music study. The music professors showed a healthy bias to gifted students. Once my classmate left and went on to be music critic for the Los Angeles times I was suddenly given the spot light. The best teachers included theory and analysis of pop tunes. But worst was the basic piano classes and the crud they forced you learn to play. I left knowing some of my composition ideas were stolen- I was naive.
So they have thousands of musicians try out but only a very tiny handful get in. This brings me to this question: if you're so good that you are selected by Curtis or a Curtis-like school, do you really need the school beyond what the name can possibly give you professionally? What value can Curtis-like schools offer you beyond its name?
While I think the answer would be networks and opportunities (as well as some guidance from top-class musicians obviously), I'd like to see someone else's more experienced answer.
@@danielliang9266 That was my experienced answer as a classical pianist , 5 time scholarship winner, performance degrees. " My performance is never perfect" - Horowitz Opportunities is also correct.
@@pianoreigns The more experience was referring to more experience than me (which isn't a high bar). Your comment wasn't there when I replied, probably because I didn't refresh the page after watching the video. Your answer does make a lot of sense 👍
Wonderful peek inside! Thanks, Ray. I recently joined a choir and have been able to practice at deSingel/the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium. A music campus really feels like Hogwarts. Hope to welcome you back to Belgium soon! ❤ + good luck to Alexandra!! ❤️❤️🇧🇪🇧🇪
If you consider the US to be the whole world, then you are probably right about this institute. I would think that there are places in other parts of the world where you can get an education of similar quality. Maybe there will be less money and self-marketing involved, but the musical abilities of the alumni would be comparable.
Studied at Settlement Music School in Philly but the Beatles came along and I stopped my Czerny studies or I might have tried for Curtis. My parents and grandmother wanted me to be the next Van Cliburn.........didn’t happen but I still appreciate what classical training has done for me.
Yay !!!!! Finally the truth is out !!!! Curtis IS THE BEST !!!! Mozart Way. What a great street sign. Sadly what loss was suffered when Eleanor Sokaloff passed away.
This reminds me of my own time at university. I started and thought I will practice many hours a day and then I realised that I do not have the time for that and I have so many theory lessons. Now I am about to finish and have 1! course each week which is about theory and I have a lot of time to practise :)
What's the point in blind auditions when you'll be performing for a seeing audience? With rare exceptions like most of the orchestra being invisible to the crowd in the Bayreuther Festspielhaus - but chances of playing in Wagner's Festspiele are probably slimmer than getting admitted to Curtis.
I actually wanted to know does the school do anything special if one of their students wins a major prize while still in school. Like Ray winning Menuhin at age 18, he must have still been at Curtis.
I'm not sure if Curtis does something special for major competition winners, but if someone recently placed well in a big competition or won an important audition, people will clap for them when they walk in the cafeteria :)
Watching this made me , emotional. Probably in another life , i could be walking these Cory doors . And would Have Loved every high and low of it . Choosing this path . POV from (what the western world would categorize as ) 3rd World . 🥲 But this i really Appreciate watching this video , Thank you Mr Ray ✨️💐Thank you✨️💐
Thanks to the video, now the acceptance rate will be 0.4% and everyone will thank Ray Chen later. ;-) And those who got accepted at 4% will thank God they applied earlier.
Maybe Ray doesn't care so much about that, but cares more about creating a community and bringing young musicians along. I think Ray needs community too.
Amazing! This is off topic but I first saw you in the two set videos and came over to your channel. You have an American accent in this video but an Australian accent with two set. My brain was so confused for a moment. LOL!
It confused me the first time I heard him with an American accent too, but then I realised, he's not a native English speaker, so speaking English with two different accents is just like anyone learning two different dialects of a foreign language and using both of them in different places. It's a pretty good idea, although it may not be as necessary in English as it is in other languages.
@@JScaranoMusic He was raised in Australia. At that point it's fair to say, that English is also his native language. But he spent so much time in the US, that the accent naturally adapts. That is just natural, especially for musical people.
@@womiko3993 Hmm, for some reason I thought he came to Australia at 15. Apparently that was when he left Australia for America. I haven't heard many native speakers switch accents so convincingly. Greg Norman springs to mind, but he always just sounded like an Australian doing a bad impression of an American accent. Sandi Toksvig switched to a British accent extremely well, but she's a non-native speaker who initially learnt English with _very_ bad pronunciation, and had lessons to correct it years later.
Im very amazed, and inspired about this videos, the interviews with student, and showing the school, is so cool and beautiful, I wish I could studied on one of greatest music schools in USA, thats why in USA has so HIGH level in music, great musical education. I hope some day in México we have something like that, real good music education, I had the bad experience to studied at really bad music university in México, where all the teachers have super high ego, humilating students, and trying to stoped their musical progress, corruption on the direction of faculty, and on the top of university, and the only way to really get more and less good classes and good teachers, is looking for a good one, and paying a lot of money out of the school, I really hope this conditions change in México, and hope some day have something like this wonderful music universitys.
You have to be aware that not all people know where in the world the CIOM is. So here is the information: The Curtis Institute of Music is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Good information is worth a lot, thus, never be shy to have a good introduction.
@@nancyjfs for a spot in the school. they ended up getting really good suggestions about improving their technique...the instructors have great senses of humor
My brother was a part of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (I’m in the organization but not in PYO) and he accompanied Ray and got to take a pic w/ him So jealous lmaoo
I'm very much a fan of "well-rounded" education even though I understand the benefit of intensive education in a special area. So I was pleased to hear that other subjects (including maths! Yay!) are available to study at Curtis. And it was great to see that Jenny Chen was able to further her education at Yale - no limits!😂
I also appreciate how he is ashamed of his first failure but luckily he made it in his second time AT THE AGE OF 15.....lol. That made me laugh. I was 39 when I went to college, and graduated at 46......
![Try to Beat me at Violin [🎻100 Violin Giveaway]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ctIbXWIHVXo/mqdefault.jpg)
Not everyone has to make it to Curtis, in fact - if you simply want to enjoy practicing within a community, join this app I made called Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in
Just like Curtis, it's free. Only easier to get in :)
ok
im a beginner violinist (in my schools orchestra) and i feel like i cant get this app! I always get so nervous playing knowing people might hear and im like "what if i mess up???" i know its okay to make mistakes but i just get so nervous T~T
is this in asia?
The important thing you missed is that musicians do not play in a vacuum- they play with other musicians.
So, the group of friends and music partners you make there are your “treasure for life.”
And he is lucky to have not only been accepted there, but also find a group of musicians that understand, more than anybody else in the world, his love, his need, his passion for music.
Life at the top is lonely (look deep into the life of any famous performer, and you will see their endless flights and constant coming and going from hotel, to new city, to new rehearsal, to photo sessions, etc- not time for friendships.
The Curtis musicians are there for you. Enjoy it❤
@@goodgoyim9459 💀... no bro its in the U.S Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
I like how he casually says "I didn't get in the first time, but on my second attempt WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD, finally got in, was accepted, and came to school here". Like bruhhhhhh 15 lol
That’s peak asian for you
tbf i think curtis pretty much doesn't accept over >16
also the Asian girl who got a Ph.D and then went back to Curtis as a staff, don't let your moms see this video
@@linkthai1995 And she seems so happy too, like dang.
@@andrewzhang8512 yeah they do
Curtis is legendary. Besides Ray, Hillary Hahn, Lang Lang, and Yuja Wang also graduated from there.
Lang Lang 🤢🤮 sorry
@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 🤓
and Aimi Kobayashi..
Ling Ling
@AnimalsAre BeautifulPeople what's wrong?
"Two Set tried to get in, but were told to practice more." Hahahaha aww you guys 😊
when was this mentioned? I don't remember this being in the vid XD
They didn't try to get in that we know about. They "tried" in a fun video because they know teachers at Curtis.
@@missingno9It is in the first line of this video's description 😂
So 40 hours a day isn't enough? Beats me!
So cool to hear Ray say he was rejected the first time. He has really done Curtis proud.
Bernstein wasn't bad either
Yeah when he 'finally' got accepted he was only 15
It is the standard American trope of telling everyone you can that at first you failed to be elite, then you succeeded.
@@NinoNiemanThe1st lol😂lol😂lol😂
Both my father, Leonard Frantz (viola) and before that his sister, my aunt Florence Frantz (piano) graduated from Curtis Institute. Offhand, I cannot remember the years they graduated, but I think my aunt graduated in the late 1920s/early 1930s and my dad in the mid to late 1930s. My Dad was a violist in the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1944 until his untimely death in 1960 and my aunt toured Europe in the early 1930s and later taught piano and played recitals in Philadelphia. She lived until 1992.
I am very proud that Curtis is a part of my family history.
👋👋👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍👍👍
❤💯!!
Great video! I auditioned FOUR times! Finally got in when I was 20 years~old. Stayed five years. ❤️
wow you are really good
Nice to see how my old school has changed! I graduated in 1985. Curtis was a very different place then. There were still some people there from the earliest days of the school. My woodwind teachers had worked with Stokowski.
awh that’s so cool! what instrument did u play?
@@robloxian.peanut David McGill played the basoon (I just googled it).
@@snegovichka ohh alr ty lol
tips for getting into curtis?
I am never going to get anywhere near curtis-level, but the philadelphia all-city high school orchestra used curtis's rooms for a concerto competition, and 30 minute rehearsal in their practice rooms was probably the most fun I've ever had playing piano, acoustics in there are insane
To achieve, your mindset needs to believe it. You need to be one with the instrument
@@iamanovercomer3253 unfortunately I just didn't put in enough hours, through most of middle school I was probably good enough that I was on track to get into a good conservatory but during the pandemic I just didn't practice enough and at this point I've fallen way behind where I need to be to apply to any music school let alone curtis
I played in "All City" during my junior and senior years. Clarinet. 1970-1972
no way i found u here bro
Ray got in after his 2nd attempt at 15 years old!! As a violinist AND he practiced piano for 7 years!! Good enough to sigh read through the piano classes 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Peak Asian levels
😊
This is Hogwarts except students carry instruments instead of wands.
Hogwarts accept ALL wizards and witches😅
Music is magic.
Alexandra was an excellent host. Very personable, articulate and comfortable camera presence. Thank you to all responsible for the tour.
That was such a great video and interview. I really felt like I was back at Curtis. You have such wonderful humor and lightness. Thank you for sharing the Curtis experience for future generations, and also for past generations.
BACK!
I used to know this ultra rich pianist student from China who attended both Juilliard and Curtis ...OMG her ability to me was beyond Master level
This is so cool! My piano teacher desperately wanted me to audition for Curtis but I knew I didn't have a chance 🙂, congratulations to all those who make it!
If your piano teacher thinks you have a chance you probably should!
@@gch_ofc fr.
You never know, you just didnt try.. sad
Go for it!
Yeah I agree you should try even if you think you don't have a chance, just having the experience of doing so is good!
So,glad you are having fun and making progress. As a Juilliard grad, I understand how hard you have to work in order to even be considered, keep going!
man, it must be an intimidating place to attend. every student you see you know are amazing at their instrument...but then again, if you got in then you would be as well.
its like being in graduate school. every student is almost a master of their craft.
What I got from this video:
Ray loves windows, is hungry, and wishes Curtis had all the new stuff when he was studying there.
Some countries don't even have a proper music school. Music is just not about hard work and practice. Sometimes it's about the previllage provided by the elders. Hope we can create something that may provide for the next generations.
And other countries like Hungary have such a high level of music education in regular schools that they don't really NEED music schools. The vast majority of 12-year olds in Hungary is literate in sheet music. In the US this is a tiny minority. But hey, Hungary is a conservative country with a rich tradition in art music which takes a significant place in its national pride. Franz Liszt is the country's national hero, just like Chopin's in Poland. The US has consistently absorbed some of the biggest talent on the planet but they basically just paid to win and its tradition of art music (as opposed to popular music, in which it is dominant) arose much later than that in Europe, especially Germany and Italy.
I auditioned for Curtis in 2008. I've never experienced nerves like that before. Great experience and every musician should apply for an audition. Great experience.
👍👍👍👍👍
hardest part of music is getting comfortable playing in stressfull situations. Luckily for me my instrument choice isnt too intimidating. really easy for me to get lost in music and ignore people around me. and im a classical guitarist/jazz. But play metal music professionally lmao
My piano professor, Sean Kennard, studied at Curtis, graduating in 2004 at just 20 years old. I hope to play like him one day.
“Elizabeth” 😂… and her stare afterwards 😮💨 👍🏼.
He looks so cheerful introducing her, too.
Ray directly asking the audience where they'd prefer to practice and pausing for a response at 9:30 gave me complete Blue's Clues vibes.
My second degree cousin from the US went there and she seems to be doing well for herself. She went on to do a masters at a prestigious university in the US as far as I know. We never interacted much but I know she primarily plays the organ
I am proud to be from Philadelphia and have visited numerous free student concerts at Curtis!
If you can get into Curtis slowly, you can get into Curtis quickly.
LOL
my cello teacher went here and in addition to his incredible playing, he was really good at teaching!
Great job Ray. I loved all the different perspectives from different students of varying instruments, all different years.
What a g, "when you play, breathe, and think about music" great advice
Very useful. I am working on a fantasy novel, with some chapters taking place at a top-notch music school, so all these tiny bits are really helpful. :)
Good luck. We wrote one, too, sadly for us the video comes too late.
@@blauespony1013 Wow! Where can I find it?
@@BlackHermit It is still in the second round of editing. I think it might be out in the next 4-6 months (the wait is killing us).
@@blauespony1013 All the best! Let me know once it's published!
thats sick
Great video and fascinating insider’s view into a great music school. As a musician myself, but who went to law school instead, this really resonated and made me long for what might’ve been.
The single most thing I notice about instrument players, musicians, they are all relaxed and very pleasant people to be around❤❤❤❤
lol, At that level there are many that are full of themselves
Let's be realistic though...music isn't exactly a money-making career path for 95% of people, especially in this economy. I have a music degree and finished half a master's in it as well, before switching to IT. I know people from my graduating class who couldn't find jobs in music despite being talented musicians, so they ended up in retail and grocery stores. It's a painful truth that I think music schools don't tell prospective students; almost predatory, if I'm being honest. The better path is to choose a realistic major (healthcare, IT, engineering, etc.) and minor in music so you can still develop those musical skills if you want to give lessons or perform as a hobby.
Visual art is like that, too.
Totally agree. It's a beautiful dream, but sometimes being practical is a safe route. Music can still be a hobby! I ended up studying computer science, but played flute from 8 years old thru finishing my M.S. CompSci. Music was a great hobby to have on the side of my major, but I'm also very grateful for my career.
If you go to Curtis, you can guarantee you will make money in music doing something. This school is part of what makes music degrees from other schools worthless.
I studied music, and needed to go back to graduate school, to study in another field to be more employable. After 27 years of teaching in the public schools, I went back to school to get my music teaching credential. I finally was able to work full time as a music teacher for a large school district.
I went to music school and ended up in the hospitality industry. Couldn't make the music thing work.
A great video from Ray Chen, a Taiwanese-Australian violinist.
Curtis Institute of Music is right at Rittenhouse Square in Center City, Philadelphia. My son and I walked past it together a few years ago. Its entrance was so unassuming, even underwhelming, that it was hard to relate it to the name of “Curtis”. Unassuming and underwhelming no matter, the door still served its purpose - it prevented us from “getting into” Curtis. 😧
Now this video opens the door to Curtis for us. As we follows Ray Chen getting through the door of Curtis, roaming among its classrooms and halls, listening to his brief coverages of the history and student life, talking with Curtis students and staff, you can get a feel of enchanted “Curtis” spirit - it feels like Hogwarts. 😮
Many current and past great musicians were Curtis students, among them, Leonard Bernstein, Hilary Hahn, Lang Lang, just to mention a few. They came from all over around the world, at very young ages, through years of rigorous studies in their teens and twenties, right there in the Center City Philadelphia ! ❤
Ray Chen and his guide shared their experiences of auditions - and how to get admitted to Curtis. His guide, Alexandra, especially mentioned about contacting and connecting with Curtis teachers who she wanted to study under and attending masterclasses lead by the teachers before the auditions, and also audition at multiple schools. That really rings a bell, resonating with the note of “it is not only what you know, but also who you know”. 😅
Even though Ray Chen has been at the pinnacle of the classical music ivory tower for many years, he still remains passionate and devoted to classical violin music, he still remains very energetic and resourceful, not only plays in many concerts in the world each year, but also through his online and offline presence, and his app, Tonic, builds a community of violin lovers and musicians alike. Just like he calls his alma mater “the best music school in the world”, I’m sure Curtis is very proud to call him one of her’s best alumni. 🎉
If you want good food, I can assure you that the nearby restaurants around Rittenhouse Square have a lot more to offer. If you are still not satisfied there, take a short walk to Reading Station and Chinatown and knock yourself out. 😂
Question: Curtis Institute of Music was founded by Mary Curtis Bok, the only heir to the Curtis Publishing Company family in Philadelphia. Just a few blocks away, Sidney Kimmel Medical College is hosted in Curtis Building. Who is the “Curtis” on the eponymous building? 😉
Also thanks for showing us a tour of Curtis! Super interesting to get a taste of what going to a music institute would have been like.
Great job. I was lucky to play clarinet in the Seattle Youth Symphony for Vilem Sokol. My friends and I would have loved your videos back in the 60’s. Instead, I’m going to introduce them to my violinist grandson. I’m sure they will inspire him. I would have loved Curtis. Kids need to hear what a great social life you can have in music.
I recognized this amazing place immediately, it is my dream to make it
@Literal-Littoral thank you!!!however I need help practicing the things I need to, can you give me some tips
Also from my sie all beloved best with your path 🎻🍀🍀🍀
Greetings JB 🙋♂️🇪🇺🇩🇪= to the 🇺🇸
@@kelvinsun5099 ecxuse me,I meant: "also from my side. " 🙏🙋♂️🎻🍀🍀🍀
it depends on who is teaching in the instrument we learn.For flute I don't think Mr.Khaner can teach better than those teachers in Europe.
thankfully growing up i went to a kind of feeder school for curtis (our school founded curtis and we often work closely together) so i know the ins and outs of curtis despite not actually being a student there but many of my peers have went onto become students there after getting their start here.
This is so amazing! Never thought of a life as a music student studying in one of the top music school in the world…I hope I could visit all the musical school in this world one day 😂
Great Video. I guess I was pretty Lucky to get in when I was 17 years old A long time ago. 1972. 51 years ago.
Thanks for the memories!
Best
Thanks for the tour! I was sort of waiting for old school snapshots and videos to see what teenaged Ray looked like and sounded like. . .😄
Thank you so much Ray, what an amazing and fantastic place. And you are so self effacing about your start there. You are one of my most favourite violinist’s in the world. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤
Curtis will always be my impossible dream as a violinist
Same 😭
I love strolling about a music academy/conservatory - you hear incredible snippets of music that instill fear and awe in most amateurs! standards are so high and it's invigorating being in an environment where ultra-talented students take their craft so very seriously!
The art of the humble brag. "Finally" getting into the prestigious music school at 15.
Such an eye opener for someone like me who's had a late calling as a musician. Even though learning is a lifelong journey, there's many routes one can take to realize the potential. An amazing privilege to be part of this establishment and community.
What do you play? I dreamt to be a vocalist as a child but I couldn’t make the performance schedule at lounge, after 9pm. My curfew was 6pm before 18 years old but I was discovered as a model instead. I worked at the prestigious OCAD U, the oldest fine art school in Canada. 😂😂😂 I want to go back to singing, fusion, classical and pop.
I started on the classical guitar when I was 11, but stopped formal lessons at 16 and pretty much became a self taught rocker. stopped playing at 25, and only 15 years later I realized my roots were with the classical guitar and have been pursuing it since.@@TheJlee28
I really admire these young musicians. They are inspirational. Very hard working.
Omg the "Hi Ray" Hairui one was HILARIOUS
Thank you, Ray, for giving us a tour of Curtis Institute. What an experience! You are amazingly humble for such a talented violinist. (Thanks for the fun fact of TwoSet's audition attempts).
I don't think we should forget about the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music. The mere name alone strikes fear in the heart of any pianist or string players trying to get to the very top. Many don't even bother auditioning. And while the talent out of Curtis is amazing, the talent out of Russia is consistently outstanding as well.
This was my thought as well.
You would have to be stupid to enter or stay in Russia right now. Whatever you think of the special Putin operation happening there, the economy etc, forget all that. Russia is now culturally bankrupt, there will be no good music or art from any state institute in Russia for decades
Lmao then make a video about the Moscow school. This is about Curtis not Tchaikovsky. You’re like the person that feels the need to make it about something else.
Appreciation from Taipei! Good video and my 11 year old daughter is inspired to practice more after watching this. Thanks!
A missed opportunity to hear a practice room; then try and hear a practice room with the door closed. I spent many years in music study. The music professors showed a healthy bias to gifted students. Once my classmate left and went on to be music critic for the Los Angeles times I was suddenly given the spot light. The best teachers included theory and analysis of pop tunes. But worst was the basic piano classes and the crud they forced you learn to play. I left knowing some of my composition ideas were stolen- I was naive.
So they have thousands of musicians try out but only a very tiny handful get in. This brings me to this question: if you're so good that you are selected by Curtis or a Curtis-like school, do you really need the school beyond what the name can possibly give you professionally? What value can Curtis-like schools offer you beyond its name?
That's what sets classical music apart from every other profession : There's so much to it , you can always be better.
While I think the answer would be networks and opportunities (as well as some guidance from top-class musicians obviously), I'd like to see someone else's more experienced answer.
@@danielliang9266 That was my experienced answer as a classical pianist , 5 time scholarship winner, performance degrees. " My performance is never perfect" - Horowitz Opportunities is also correct.
@@pianoreigns The more experience was referring to more experience than me (which isn't a high bar). Your comment wasn't there when I replied, probably because I didn't refresh the page after watching the video. Your answer does make a lot of sense 👍
@@danielliang9266 👍
I wish I had heard about this school when I was younger. Such a great video! Love the Animal Crossing music in the back ground around 12:40 min mark
Music is just amazing, I enjoy every single musical aspect ❤🎉❤🎉
Wonderful peek inside! Thanks, Ray. I recently joined a choir and have been able to practice at deSingel/the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium. A music campus really feels like Hogwarts. Hope to welcome you back to Belgium soon! ❤ + good luck to Alexandra!! ❤️❤️🇧🇪🇧🇪
If you consider the US to be the whole world, then you are probably right about this institute. I would think that there are places in other parts of the world where you can get an education of similar quality. Maybe there will be less money and self-marketing involved, but the musical abilities of the alumni would be comparable.
Studied at Settlement Music School in Philly but the Beatles came along and I stopped my Czerny studies or I might have tried for Curtis. My parents and grandmother wanted me to be the next Van Cliburn.........didn’t happen but I still appreciate what classical training has done for me.
I love your videos, mr. Chen! Thank you for posting so much good stuff!
Yes field hall with the red lights is scary, that was how it was when I auditioned, but luckily I made it in on my first try
Thank you Ray for doing this!
Also for asking my question. 😊
Yay !!!!! Finally the truth is out !!!! Curtis IS THE BEST !!!! Mozart Way. What a great street sign. Sadly what loss was suffered when Eleanor Sokaloff passed away.
This reminds me of my own time at university. I started and thought I will practice many hours a day and then I realised that I do not have the time for that and I have so many theory lessons. Now I am about to finish and have 1! course each week which is about theory and I have a lot of time to practise :)
If they did blind auditions it would be interesting to see what happened if you tried again :D
What's the point in blind auditions when you'll be performing for a seeing audience? With rare exceptions like most of the orchestra being invisible to the crowd in the Bayreuther Festspielhaus - but chances of playing in Wagner's Festspiele are probably slimmer than getting admitted to Curtis.
@@classicallpvault8251 The point being he couldn't actually audition for Curtis again if they knew who it was.
Ray's a great interviewer and a natural communicator. Very nice video!
12:56 for fangirling over ray
how can he be so humble when he got into the best music school when he was 15
A video with Ray and Animal Crossing music in the background is such a vibe
I actually wanted to know does the school do anything special if one of their students wins a major prize while still in school. Like Ray winning Menuhin at age 18, he must have still been at Curtis.
maybe! but it’s pretty common for their students to win major competitions like menuhin or van cliburn.
Their students win big competitions all the time
I'm not sure if Curtis does something special for major competition winners, but if someone recently placed well in a big competition or won an important audition, people will clap for them when they walk in the cafeteria :)
RAY IS MY ROLE MODEL FOR ORCHESTRA! ugh if only i taken classes in middle school for that regret is hitting so hard
Excellent video Ray!! Great interviews! Thanks so much!
Watching this made me , emotional.
Probably in another life , i could be walking these Cory doors . And would Have Loved every high and low of it . Choosing this path .
POV from (what the western world would categorize as ) 3rd World . 🥲
But this i really Appreciate watching this video , Thank you Mr Ray ✨️💐Thank you✨️💐
"wHat hAppend tHE WinDow?😢"
"Jazz" is the perfect name for someone working at a music school!
Also, I know the Animal Crossing soundtrack when I hear it lol
Thanks to the video, now the acceptance rate will be 0.4% and everyone will thank Ray Chen later. ;-) And those who got accepted at 4% will thank God they applied earlier.
still wondering what Tonic's business model is...
Maybe Ray doesn't care so much about that, but cares more about creating a community and bringing young musicians along. I think Ray needs community too.
Amazing! This is off topic but I first saw you in the two set videos and came over to your channel. You have an American accent in this video but an Australian accent with two set. My brain was so confused for a moment. LOL!
It's stranger when his accent changes in the middle of a video.
It confused me the first time I heard him with an American accent too, but then I realised, he's not a native English speaker, so speaking English with two different accents is just like anyone learning two different dialects of a foreign language and using both of them in different places. It's a pretty good idea, although it may not be as necessary in English as it is in other languages.
@@JScaranoMusic He was raised in Australia. At that point it's fair to say, that English is also his native language. But he spent so much time in the US, that the accent naturally adapts. That is just natural, especially for musical people.
@@womiko3993 Hmm, for some reason I thought he came to Australia at 15. Apparently that was when he left Australia for America. I haven't heard many native speakers switch accents so convincingly. Greg Norman springs to mind, but he always just sounded like an Australian doing a bad impression of an American accent. Sandi Toksvig switched to a British accent extremely well, but she's a non-native speaker who initially learnt English with _very_ bad pronunciation, and had lessons to correct it years later.
I wish all schools were like this, music is the medicine
It’s great to see the inside of such famous music school!
excellent video, first time I have been exposed to a music environment, it is really interesting
Looks like you have to be an amazing musician and really good looking to get into this school!! :)
So from this I learned Ray is very focused on windows
Heard the Orchestra here in Arizona two weeks ago. I was blown away.
Hi Ray, and HaiRui 🤣 thought he was giving you a prank.
Im very amazed, and inspired about this videos, the interviews with student, and showing the school, is so cool and beautiful, I wish I could studied on one of greatest music schools in USA, thats why in USA has so HIGH level in music, great musical education.
I hope some day in México we have something like that, real good music education, I had the bad experience to studied at really bad music university in México, where all the teachers have super high ego, humilating students, and trying to stoped their musical progress, corruption on the direction of faculty, and on the top of university, and the only way to really get more and less good classes and good teachers, is looking for a good one, and paying a lot of money out of the school, I really hope this conditions change in México, and hope some day have something like this wonderful music universitys.
I like the Tonic App. It does encourage me to practice more.
11:27 - Queue in the "Me, You" meme with Crhis Tucker 🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣
Apperatnly, Ray is a big goof ball 👍👍😂😂🤣🤣😂😂
Wow, I'm so well informed. Thanks Ray!
You have to be aware that not all people know where in the world the CIOM is. So here is the information: The Curtis Institute of Music is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Good information is worth a lot, thus, never be shy to have a good introduction.
That looks like a magical school! Great tour.
i went to Curtis. Then security escorted me off the premises.
And then....you pledged to Delta House.
twoset guys auditioned...that was a good epi
"auditioned" !!!!
@@nancyjfs for a spot in the school. they ended up getting really good suggestions about improving their technique...the instructors have great senses of humor
My brother was a part of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (I’m in the organization but not in PYO) and he accompanied Ray and got to take a pic w/ him
So jealous lmaoo
Im studying music now in my late 50's so that i can audition for this or another music school in my next life, eh wish me luck😁
I feel you
I wish there was a school like this for Hindustani classical music.
Maybe you can make that happen.
@@johnnyxmusic thank you. I will make it happen in my lifetime. its a worthwhile cause.
@@areascoda2912 I love it!
Great video! I thoroughly enjoyed the tour!
I'm here for the casual Twoset roast in the description.
“hi ray”.. Lol. That interview was solid!
I'm very much a fan of "well-rounded" education even though I understand the benefit of intensive education in a special area. So I was pleased to hear that other subjects (including maths! Yay!) are available to study at Curtis. And it was great to see that Jenny Chen was able to further her education at Yale - no limits!😂
You should do a tour of the University of music and performing arts in Vienna, it's a fantastic place! 🎉
I also appreciate how he is ashamed of his first failure but luckily he made it in his second time AT THE AGE OF 15.....lol. That made me laugh. I was 39 when I went to college, and graduated at 46......