Admissions

students hold their instruments and walk along a trail where the tops of the golden gate bridge is visible behind them

We empower the world's most forward-thinking musicians.

At SFCM, we are lifelong leaders and learners. As a professional music school, we are committed to providing an extraordinary education that prepares you to pursue fully engaged lives as citizens of the world. Our core mission is to transform our students: artistically, intellectually, professionally, and individually. When you start your application, you will be guided through the process by the Office of Admissions. Apply today to start your performance of a lifetime!

Application now open for Fall and Spring 2025!

99%
Receive SFCM Scholarship
460
Collegiate Students
34
Countries Represented
3:1
Student-Teacher Ratio

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Composition Icon

Composition

Conducting Icon

Conducting

Guitar icon

Historical Performance Icon

Historical Performance

Percussion Icon

Percussion

Keyboard Icon

RJAM Saxophone icon

Roots, Jazz, and American Music

Strings icon

Chamber Music Icon

String and Piano Chamber Music

TAC Icon

Technology and Applied Composition

Woodwinds Icon

Voice Icon

Voice / Opera Studies

the horn section plays during a performance

Brass

Degrees and Programs
Brass Bachelor of Music Brass Master of Music Brass Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Horn Trombone Trumpet Tuba

a student sits at a desk writing notes on a score

Composition

Degrees and Programs
Composition Bachelor of Music Composition Master of Music

edwin outwater conducting during a performance, he is about to give a strong downbeat

Conducting

Degrees and Programs
Conducting Master of Music Conducting Professional Studies Certificate

a guitarist plays sitting along the sea wall, with the beach behind him

Guitar

Degrees and Programs
Bachelor of Music in Guitar Master of Music in Guitar Professional Studies Certificate in Guitar

 a student playing a historical instrument in the concert hall

Historical Performance

Degrees and Programs

Harpsichord Bachelor of Music Harpsichord Master of Music Baroque Violin Master of Music Baroque Viola Master of Music Baroque Cello Master of Music Viola da Gamba Master of Music Baroque Violin Professional Studies Certificate Baroque Viola Professional Studies Certificate Historical Keyboards Professional Studies Certificate Baroque Voice Professional Studies Certificate

Instruments and Disciplines

Baroque Cello Baroque Viola Baroque Violin Baroque Voice Harpsichord Historical Keyboards Historical Plucked Strings Viola da Gamba

a timpani player watches the conductor in a dress rehearsal

Percussion

Degrees and Programs
Percussion Bachelor of Music Percussion Master of Music Percussion Professional Studies Certificate

a pianist performs a concerto with the orchestra

Keyboard

Degrees and Programs

Keyboard Bachelor of Music Keyboard Master of Music Keyboard Professional Studies Certificate Piano Artist Diploma

Instruments and Disciplines Collaborative Piano Organ Piano

students perform with teachers in a jazz ensemble

Roots, Jazz, and American Music

Degrees and Programs
Jazz Bachelor of Music Jazz Professional Studies Certificate

string quartet stands and laughs in a park with the golden gate in the background

Strings

Degrees and Programs
Strings Bachelor of Music Strings Master of Music Strings Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Cello Double Bass Harp Viola Violin

A cellist plays expressively in a chamber group

String and Piano Chamber Music

Degrees and Programs
String & Piano Chamber Master of Music String & Piano Chamber Artist Diploma

a student in studio A

Technology and Applied Composition

Degrees and Programs
TAC Bachelor of Music TAC Master of Music TAC Professional Studies Certificate

the woodwind section during a performance

Woodwinds

Degrees and Programs
Woodwinds Bachelor of Music Woodwinds Master of Music Woodwinds Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Bassoon Clarinet Flute Oboe

voice workshop in osher salon

Voice / Opera Studies

Degrees and Programs

Bachelor of Music in Voice Master of Music in Voice Professional Studies Certificate in Voice Artist Diploma in Opera Studies in Voice

Instruments and Disciplines Opera and Musical Theatre Composition Conducting Historical Performance Percussion Roots, Jazz, and American Music String and Piano Chamber Music Technology and Applied Composition Voice / Opera Studies

the horn section plays during a performance

Brass

Aspire for beauty. Own the moment.

Degrees and Programs
Brass Bachelor of Music Brass Master of Music Brass Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Horn Trombone Trumpet Tuba Composition

a student sits at a desk writing notes on a score

Composition

Write the music you dreamed of.

Degrees and Programs
Composition Bachelor of Music Composition Master of Music Conducting

edwin outwater conducting during a performance, he is about to give a strong downbeat

Conducting

Unlimited possibility at the tip of your baton.

Degrees and Programs
Conducting Master of Music Conducting Professional Studies Certificate

a guitarist plays sitting along the sea wall, with the beach behind him

Guitar

Six strings of artistry

Degrees and Programs
Bachelor of Music in Guitar Master of Music in Guitar Professional Studies Certificate in Guitar Historical Performance

 a student playing a historical instrument in the concert hall

Historical Performance

Getting to the root of it all.

Degrees and Programs

Harpsichord Bachelor of Music Harpsichord Master of Music Baroque Violin Master of Music Baroque Viola Master of Music Baroque Cello Master of Music Viola da Gamba Master of Music Baroque Violin Professional Studies Certificate Baroque Viola Professional Studies Certificate Historical Keyboards Professional Studies Certificate Baroque Voice Professional Studies Certificate

Instruments and Disciplines

Baroque Cello Baroque Viola Baroque Violin Baroque Voice Harpsichord Historical Keyboards Historical Plucked Strings Viola da Gamba

Percussion

a timpani player watches the conductor in a dress rehearsal

Percussion

Time begins with rhythm.

Degrees and Programs
Percussion Bachelor of Music Percussion Master of Music Percussion Professional Studies Certificate

a pianist performs a concerto with the orchestra

Keyboard

From black and white to a universe of color.

Degrees and Programs

Keyboard Bachelor of Music Keyboard Master of Music Keyboard Professional Studies Certificate Piano Artist Diploma

Instruments and Disciplines Collaborative Piano Organ Piano Roots, Jazz, and American Music

students perform with teachers in a jazz ensemble

Roots, Jazz, and American Music

Our tune has a different bridge.

Degrees and Programs
Jazz Bachelor of Music Jazz Professional Studies Certificate

string quartet stands and laughs in a park with the golden gate in the background

Strings

Degrees and Programs
Strings Bachelor of Music Strings Master of Music Strings Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Cello Double Bass Harp Viola Violin String and Piano Chamber Music

A cellist plays expressively in a chamber group

String and Piano Chamber Music

Mastering the Art of Collaboration.

Degrees and Programs
String & Piano Chamber Master of Music String & Piano Chamber Artist Diploma Technology and Applied Composition

a student in studio A

Technology and Applied Composition

A versatile, hands-on program to compose, design, and engineer.

Degrees and Programs
TAC Bachelor of Music TAC Master of Music TAC Professional Studies Certificate

the woodwind section during a performance

Woodwinds

Where excellence meets artistry

Degrees and Programs
Woodwinds Bachelor of Music Woodwinds Master of Music Woodwinds Professional Studies Certificate Instruments and Disciplines Bassoon Clarinet Flute Oboe Voice / Opera Studies

voice workshop in osher salon

Voice / Opera Studies

Your voice, inspired by the best.

Degrees and Programs

Bachelor of Music in Voice Master of Music in Voice Professional Studies Certificate in Voice Artist Diploma in Opera Studies in Voice

Instruments and Disciplines Opera and Musical Theatre

SFCM Strings Chair Simon James.

Student Success Simon James' Studio Alumni Win Four Symphony Jobs

Information for Applying

Application and Auditions

It's a big step, we know, and we're here for you. Apply online, request more information, or learn about our audition and application process.

Connect with Us

Join us for an in-person tour, watch a virtual tour, or schedule a call for more information about the campus and the Hayes Valley neighborhood.

Financial Aid and Affordability

At SFCM, we understand that college is a substantial investment. We're here to help, and we're committed to working with you to achieve the education you desire. 99% of our students receive financial aid at an average rate of 57% tuition discount.

Facilities

SFCM has some of the most advanced, meticulously tuned facilities of any music conservatory. Check out our virtual tours and list of facilities here.

Learn More About Life at SFCM

James Encarnación headshot

James Encarnación

Assistant Dean of Admissions

I’m honored to rejoin the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s community as Assistant Dean of Admissions. Prior to joining the team, I held Admissions and Enrollment Management positions at The Tianjin Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and SFCM's Pre-College and Adult Extension Divisions. Supporting young musicians through the application and audition processes is work that I value deeply, and being able to showcase the extraordinary education that SFCM provides is incredibly rewarding. San Francisco is truly a special place! I hold a Bachelor of Music Degree in Trombone Performance from The University of Michigan and a Master of Music Degree in Tenor Trombone from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Lee Anne Frahn headshot

Lee Anne Frahn

Assistant Director of Admissions

I am excited to make the move from Bellingham, WA, to the vibrant city of San Francisco and join the SFCM community. As a vocalist (MMus Vocal Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and a background in music higher education, I am eager to continue my journey of supporting students and their passion for music. As a first-generation student, I understand firsthand how intimidating the application process can be. My dedication lies in helping students smoothly transition into college life and empowering them to make their mark on the world. Together with our exceptional faculty and staff, I look forward to creating an inviting and inclusive home for SFCM students, nurturing their growth and artistic aspirations.

Abby Bush headshot

Abby Bush

Admissions Counselor

Originally from Los Angeles, I came to San Francisco to pursue a master's degree in vocal performance at SFCM. After finishing my degree (MM '22), I was lucky enough to join the incredible admissions team. I now enjoy supporting and encouraging applicants as they consider becoming members of our amazing and passionate community. I look forward to helping out incoming students as they make their way to the beautiful city of San Francisco.