Settlement at a Glance
Philadelphia’s arts and music school since 1908
Private lessons • Group classes • Choir • Dance • Chamber Music • Jazz • Preschool • Creative Arts Therapy • Community Partnerships • and so much more!
What is a community music school?
Unlike a conservatory or private studio, a community music school is open to everyone at any age. There are no auditions or barriers to entry. Our focus is on accessibility and excellence, not exclusivity. Settlement is one of the only community music schools in the country to offer truly unlimited financial assistance, meaning no child is ever turned away because of cost.
10,000+
lessons and classes every week, at our branches, online, and in the community
60%
of students qualify for over $3 million in financial assistance every year
6
branches located in Philadelphia, Willow Grove, and online
160+
faculty and arts therapists
More than 50%
of students are persons of color and our community speaks more than 28 languages
“Settlement has become a second home where my son finds belonging, purpose, and confidence.” — Settlement parent
Upcoming Events
Advanced Study Ensemble Concert
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Mary Louise Curtis Branch
416 Queen St., Philadelphia, PA
Join us for the Advanced Study Concert at our Mary Louise Curtis Branch – a free night of music featuring the outstanding and nationally recognized Advanced Study Chamber Ensembles of our Joseph and Marie Field Chamber Music Program.
118th Anniversary Gala
Friday, April 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The Bellevue Hotel
200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dine and dance with us while supporting our students at Settlement’s 118th Anniversary Gala!
Presented by Tompkins Community Bank
Honoring Bruce Rosenfield
of counsel, Dilworth Paxson LLP
pro bono Counsel, Settlement Music School
Annual Concert
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Benoliel-Germantown Branch
6128 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Come experience our Annual Concert, held this year at our Benoliel-Germantown Branch. Enjoy a free evening of music featuring performances from exceptional individual students and ensembles of all levels from across our branches in the Greater Philadelphia Region.
Settlement is a Philadelphia Inquirer Philly Favorite!
Thank you for voting for Settlement Music School as one of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Philly Favorites!
Settlement Inducted into Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Walk of Fame
On April 30, 2025, Settlement Music School was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Walk of Fame on Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts!
Kaleidoscope on WHYY’s The Pulse
WHYY’s The Pulse recently featured our Kaleidoscope arts-integrated preschool!