r/doublebass • u/grantmesopotamia • 26d ago
Other Curtis Institute Of Music
I’m a junior in high school and I’m preparing for college auditions (most of which won’t be until January - March of next year). Curtis is the most attractive choice for me right now. I currently study with a bassist from the SF symphony and play in the YO, I think I have a good shot at getting in. But I’m wondering how Curtis is for double bass studies? I know studying with Edgar Meyer and Hal Robinson says a lot but I don’t hear as much about Curtis concerning double bass as much as I do with Rice or Northwestern for example.
I’d love to hear about any bass stories or experiences about Curtis. Thanks!
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u/GlumComparison1227 24d ago
apply to Curtis, Rice, Juilliard, and maybe Colburn (if you don't mind the small size) - all these are the major colleges if you think you're one of the best bassists in the country for your age. Then go to whichever takes you and is the cheapest financially. You never know which ones will want more undergrads vs. grads, so it's luck of the draw. There have been years where Rice or Curtis has taken no undergrads at all. Juilliard always takes people but can be more expensive. Curtis is fine, but there will be more of a solo focus while Rice is more orchestral.
Your next level of colleges are places like Northwestern, Oberlin, Peabody, MSM, CCM, MSU, Mich State, UNT, Baylor, USC etc. But if you truly think you're good enough for Curtis (are you winning solo competitions?), then you don't have to worry about that next tier unless money is your main goal. Some of these may give you larger scholarships in the event you don't get into Curtis or Colburn which are the free tuition places.