It was founded as the Combs Broad Street Conservatory of Music in 1885 by Gilbert Raynolds Combs, and closed in 1991, due to loss of government funding and decreasing enrollment. During its 106 years in operation, the school enjoyed a reputation as one of the foremost institutions of its kind in the country. Notables such as William Kincaid, Carl Torrello, and Arturo Toscanini were associated with the school. It was one of the pioneers in the field of music therapy as well as a hotbed of innovation in the field of music education.

Notable alumni

• Paul Nordoff (Bachelor of Music Therapy, 1960)
• Vincent Persichetti (enrolled at the age of 5)
• John Coltrane (attended in the 1950s)

Notable faculty

• Romeo Cascarino, D.Mus
• Jacob Neupauer, D.Mus
• Frank DiBussolo, D.M.A.
• Delores Ferraro, M.Mus
• Morton Berger, M.Mus
• Anthony Weigand, D.M.A.