Curriculum

MORE THAN JUST TECHNIQUE

Our curriculum expands the typical conservatory education by preparing students for opportunities in the modern economy. Our faculty are not just world-class teachers, but working musicians and industry leaders, providing unrivaled mentorship, connections, and guidance.

Courses like our Finance for Musicians class are designed to set you up for success as part of our Professional Development and Engagement Center which readies the artist as a whole for the working world of music. Our Technology and Applied Composition program has one of the strongest job placement rates for music conservatory graduates anywhere.

SFCM promotes real-world experience, encouraging students to book gigs and perform at venues on campus, like at the Bowes Center, and off campus at SF venues. Our deep symphony, ballet, opera, and jazz connections also give you the chance for side-byside performances and our tight-knit studios and small class sizes provide plenty of one-on-one instruction.

THE FUTURE IN YOUR HANDS

SFCM offers undergraduate students the option to pursue a concentration in business, teaching, or technology. These concentrations serve as an opportunity for students to focus on an area of interest and build a larger skill set. Once completed, concentrations will be indicated on transcripts and visible to future employers and graduate programs.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: WINTER TERM

Every January, Winter Term allows you the chance to play in a way you haven’t before. It’s a weeks-long opportunity for students to immerse themselves in subjects beyond the standard curriculum. It’s a chance to learn about an interest you’ve never quite had time to explore or to give your career a head start by developing a business or technical skill. Experiment in a different genre, learn to DJ, or create your own concert, to name a few!