I was a good musical prodigy (piano): I practiced and went to the Curtis Institute before age twenty. Music is my passion: I wanted nothing more than to be a musician. But the Curtis Institute was the most snooty and close-minded school I have ever attended.I was able to study composition but I wasn't allowed to play my own pieces at (the FREE!) recitals! My professors chose what pieces for me to play based on technique. Hey, I love Liszt, too, but I am not a musical robot.
Yes, that is what the Curtis Institute will do to you: turn you into a musical robot.
This place is WONDERFUL for technique. But as for creativity and emotion, go elsewhere.
The students were snooty, close-minded "I'm a genius/prodigy" type and most of them were only interested in playing the most difficult pieces possible the fastest.
I wanted to be more creative with my performances but I wasn't allowed. I did it anyway: I got naked and was asked to leave.
I recommend getting the diploma (like I did) and then going somewhere else because they will teach you impeccable technique.
I decided to apply to art schools instead to study performance art, film and sculpture because I want to be more creative with my music and performances.
If you want to learn how to play Moazrt, Liszt and etc. and do that for the rest of your life than go here.
If you want to be more creative and do experimental composition and performance pieces...go elsewhere.
And where can a person go to study something like that? I recommend Cooper Union and Goddard College, two places that I have been to and love.
I went to the CI for my two year technical diploma and then transferred to a college that allowed me to be creative.
P.S. No one at the CI has a sense of humor.P.P.S CI isn't "free:" you have to pay over 20k a year for housing. But most of the students are snooty rich people anyway...I was the ONLY poor person there!
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